LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The man accused of shooting and killing a photographer in Jefferson Square Park during the 2020 protests has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and multiple counts of wanton endangerment.

Steven Lopez accepted a prison plea of 30 years in prison last week, with 18 of those years for the shooting death of 27-year-old Tyler Gerth. He also pleaded guilty to 21 counts of wanton endangerment.

“He’s extremely remorseful about what happened,” defense attorney Sheila Seadler said after the hearing. “He really is truly sorry. It’s not characteristic of anything in his past.”

A spokesman for the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office said there was a successful mediation in the case prior to trial and a guilty plea on Jan. 3. 

As part of the plea Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Ebert Haegele said Lopez has agreed to obtain his diploma or GED, complete a vocational program and get treatment.

Lopez will be formally sentenced on Feb. 13 in Jefferson Circuit Court.

Gerth's family is expected to speak at his sentencing. 

Police say Lopez shot and killed Gerth in Jefferson Square Park on June 27, 2020. Lopez was among a group of protesters who were arrested days before the shooting.

Witnesses told police they saw Lopez fire multiple shots into the crowd of demonstrators around 9 p.m., according to Lopez's arrest report. Witness video from the scene of the shooting shows people running from the square, hiding behind bushes and buildings and diving behind vehicles to avoid gunfire.

Protesters at Jefferson Square said Lopez had been involved in several fights at the park during the course of demonstrations over the shooting death of Breonna Taylor.

Related Stories:

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All rights reserved.