Records: Boy suffered ‘extreme abuse’ prior to death
A jury found Steven Coleman, 50, guilty earlier this month of felonious assault, having weapons under disability, tampering with evidence and discharge of a firearm on or near prohibited premises in addition to murder, according to court records.
Prosecutors said Coleman needed to face a long prison sentence to punish his actions and to protect the public.
He was sentenced this week by Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Timothy O’Connell to serve 20 years to life in prison. Coleman will not be eligible for parole until he has served as least 20 years in prison.
Colman’s legal troubles began when he was working as a security guard at the Ashwood Lounge in Dayton on Nov. 7, 2018, when he and another security guard were involved in a fight with the victim, Robert Lee Burdette.
“Another security guard was involved in an altercation with the victim when the defendant punched the victim in the head, then pulled out a .40 caliber handgun and shot the victim in the head,” the prosecutor’s office said in a prepared statement.
Burdette died three days later after he was taken off life support.
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In his defense, attorney Lucas Wilder said Coleman had a rough upbringing and that the victim provoked the incident.
“The video depicts a calm Coleman abruptly shoot the victim,” the memorandum says. “Obviously, there was some provocation by the victim. The video shows the victim pointing and acting aggressively towards Coleman and security.”
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