Teenager accused of shooting ex-Ohio State wrestler Sammy Sasso sentenced to prison

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- An 18-year-old who was accused of shooting a former Ohio State wrestler will be in prison for the next decade.

Elijah Lee received a sentence of at least 10 years after being charged in the shooting of Sammy Sasso on Aug. 18, 2023 in an attempted carjacking, according to the Franklin County prosecutor's office. Lee received a sentence of between seven and 11.5 years for felonious assault in addition to a three-year firearm specification.

He was also charged with aggravated robbery, displaying or brandishing a firearm, theft, and having weapons under disability.

Sasso, who was 23 at the time, was shot in the abdomen during the carjacking on North High Street with Lee and a female teenage suspect charged. After nearly a month in the hospital, Sasso was transferred to a rehabilitation facility in September of 2023 to continue his recovery.

He returned to competitive wrestling more than a year after being shot and after recording 12 wins in the 2024-25 season, Sasso announced in late February he would retire from wrestling. He recorded two Big Ten titles and two NCAA runner-up finishes during his career. You can watch a report on his return to competition in the video player above.

“I worked harder than ever before just to get where I’m at, but nonetheless my leg cannot move the way it used to," Sasso said. "Although this situation has been tough, I know this entire process has made me a better person.”