Teenager sentenced to 10-14 years for shooting Ohio State wrestler Sammy Sasso

Elijah Lee, an 18-year-old, was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison for shooting former Ohio State wrestler Sammy Sasso during an attempted carjacking on August 18, 2023. Sasso, who was shot in the abdomen, underwent multiple surgeries and spent 41 days in the hospital, significantly altering his athletic career and dreams of competing in the Olympics. During the sentencing, Sasso expressed his gratitude for the support he received while highlighting how the shooting derailed his aspirations of becoming a champion wrestler. Lee, who pleaded guilty to felonious assault, was also found to have a history of involvement in stolen vehicles. Sasso, a four-time All-American and two-time NCAA runner-up, returned to wrestling but announced his retirement in February 2025, citing ongoing physical challenges. The judge noted Lee's pattern of criminal behavior as a contributing factor to the severity of his sentence.