LAWRENCE, IN — The families of 19-year-old cousins Aaliyah Wortman and Londyn Coleman wept in a Marion County courtroom today as their killer, Malik Shaw, was sentenced to 116 years in prison for the brutal murders that shook the Lawrence community last April.
The sentence comes nearly five months after a jury found Shaw guilty on two counts of murder in connection with the deadly triple shooting. The jury, however, deadlocked on a third count, leaving the verdict incomplete on one of the charges.
A Community Shattered
On April 14, 2024, police were called to the 5400 block of North Franklin Road in Lawrence after reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they discovered three people shot, including Wortman and Coleman, who were pronounced dead at the scene. A third victim, whose name has not been released due to safety concerns, survived the attack but continues to face long-term medical and emotional struggles.
Investigators later determined that Shaw opened fire during a confrontation, striking the three victims multiple times before fleeing the scene. He was arrested days later following a multi-agency manhunt.
An Emotional Day in Court
Today’s sentencing hearing was marked by raw emotion as family members addressed Shaw directly, confronting him with the impact of his crimes.
“You took away our babies,” said Sharon Wortman, Aaliyah’s mother, her voice breaking with grief. “Every morning I wake up and realize they’re not coming home. And you did that. You chose to take their lives.”
Londyn Coleman’s father, Michael Coleman, spoke through tears: “You robbed us of weddings, of grandchildren, of futures we’ll never see. There is no sentence long enough to replace what we’ve lost.”
Shaw, 24, showed little visible reaction as he was sentenced by Judge Sarah Dreyer, who imposed 58 years for each count of murder, to be served consecutively.
Judge’s Remarks
In delivering the sentence, Judge Dreyer condemned Shaw’s actions as “an act of senseless violence that left two young women dead and destroyed the lives of those who loved them.”
“This court cannot bring back Aaliyah and Londyn,” Dreyer said. “But it can ensure that Mr. Shaw will never again have the opportunity to harm another family.”
A Community Still in Mourning
The murders of Wortman and Coleman have had a profound impact on Lawrence, a city of just over 50,000. Candlelight vigils, memorial walks, and scholarship funds have been established in their memory.
Mayor Steve Collier released a statement following the sentencing:
“While today’s sentence cannot undo the pain suffered by these families, it sends a clear message that violent acts like this will not go unpunished. Our hearts remain with the Wortman and Coleman families.”
What’s Next?
Shaw’s defense team has indicated plans to appeal, citing the jury’s deadlock on the third count and alleging procedural errors during the trial. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office says it will continue to seek justice on the unresolved charge.
As the courtroom emptied, loved ones of the victims embraced, holding onto each other as they left with a mixture of relief, sorrow, and the enduring weight of loss.
“This doesn’t bring them back,” Sharon Wortman told reporters outside the courthouse. “But at least we know he can’t hurt anyone else’s child ever again.”
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