2nd Louisville man sentenced in fatal Harvest Homecoming shooting in New Albany

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A second suspect has been sentenced to prison in connection with a fatal shooting at Harvest Homecoming last fall.

Darius Tuff, of Louisville, was sentenced to 37 years in prison Thursday morning in Floyd County, according to Prosecutor Chris Lane.

Tuff is one of several people charged in the shooting that took the life of 18-year-old Bryce Gerlach and hurt two other people during the popular fall festival in downtown New Albany.

Superior Court 1 Judge Carrie Stiller sentenced Tuff to the total of 37 years, made up of 16 years each for two aggravated battery charges, and an additional five years for use of a firearm in the crimes. Tuff was not accused of killing Gerlach.

Lane recommended the 37-year plea as part of Tuff's plea agreement. Tuff pleaded guilty Feb. 24.

Police believe all three victims were innocent bystanders who weren't related to an argument between two groups of people that ultimately led to the shooting.

Gerlach was shot inside the ride area. He was a senior at Corydon Central High School, where he was also on the football team.

Joshua Smith, of Louisville, was sentenced last month to more than seven years in prison after agreeing to a plea deal in February.

Smith originally faced 11 charges in connection to the shooting, including murder. However, he pleaded guilty to a single charge of conspiracy to armed robbery. As part of his plea deal, Smith is required to testify in ongoing cases connected to the Oct. 12, 2024, shooting.

The Floyd County prosecutor said there are about 10 people facing charges in connection with the Harvest Homecoming shooting, including some juveniles.

Joshua Smith and Tuff were roommates, along with Shermichael Smith. Shermichael Smith and another suspect, Isaiah Page, are also charged with murder and scheduled to go to trial. At least two juveniles have already pleaded guilty.

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