Louisville man sentenced for 2021 shooting on I-264 that killed worker, injured police officer

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A man convicted of killing a construction worker and shooting a Louisville Metro Police officer in the face could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Friday afternoon, a jury recommended Keyshaun Stewart serve two consecutive life sentences for the November 2021 shooting on Interstate 264 near Dixie Highway. Stewart was found guilty but mentally ill on all charges, including murder and attempted murder, attempted assault 1st (of a police officer), wanton endangerment and fleeing/evading police.

Stewart opened fire on 37-year-old Freddrick "Freddie" O'Bannon while he sat in his vehicle at a construction area on the Watterson Expressway just before 3 a.m. The father of five was killed.

Prosecutors said Stewart then walked over to an LMPD cruiser and shot Sgt. James "Chris" Lane in the face. Lane was able to pursue Stewart and return fire. He shot Stewart and got him into custody.

O'Bannon's mother, Anita, and Sgt. Lane each said they have forged a bond through tragedy.

"I have to forgive him because I refuse to walk around with hatred to my heart. I'm not going to allow him to push that into me. I will never forget him, but I have to forgive him," Anita O'Bannon said outside the courtroom.

Standing beside O'Bannon, Lane said they have a connection that’s hard to describe, but deeply meaningful. Both said this experience has turned their grief into a source of strength.

"If there's, if there's any, any silver lining to come out of this tragic situation, it's the extended family that that I've gained," Lane said. "It's a connection that's hard to describe. And I think that relationships that are forged in that kind of fire are tend to be very strong relationships, and I care a lot about Miss Anita and about the entire family."

In the courtroom, Stewart remained expressionless as he listened to victim impact statements from family members including one of O'Bannon's daughters.

"You changed three peoples families lives that night. Do you realize that? Yes, your life ended that night, my dad's life ended that night. You almost ended the life of a police officer. Everybody has children. You don't have any. You ruined your life, as well," said Ja'Niiya O'Bannon.

For O’Bannon, forgiving Stewart is not about forgetting. She said it’s about refusing to carry hatred and finding a way to heal. She also had a message for Stewart's family.

"I pray that they really get the help that they need to get through this, because it affected my family, it affected Chris's family, it affected his family, but I just pray that they get the help that they deserve," O'Bannon said.

A judge will have the final say on Stewart's sentencing. A formal sentencing date was set for Dec. 1.

Kentucky corrections lawsuit filed

Lane has recovered from being shot in the face, but he did file a lawsuit against the Kentucky Department of Corrections. He claims Stewart should have been in jail at the time of the shooting.

His attorney Tad Thomas told WDRB in 2022 that Lane had his jaw wired shut after the bullet from Stewart's gun went in his check and lodged in the back of his neck.

Stewart was sentenced to five years probation in Jefferson County in 2019 for burglary and drugs. Eight months later, Stewart was arrested in Davidson County, Tennessee, for aggravated assault and arson. The lawsuit states his probation officer never reported those new charges to Jefferson County.

More tragedy for Lane

Lane's wife, Erendida, was by his side through his recovery, but she was killed in a car crash in January 2024. Their teen daughter also suffered serious injuries.

Lane and his wife had been married for 19 years and had two children. They met when Lane was serving with the U.S. Marines.

Erendida was a teacher who taught English to children.

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