Patrick Cooney, 37, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for the 2023 road rage murder of Seattle community activist Elijah Lewis. The incident occurred in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood when Cooney, riding a scooter, got into a dispute with Lewis, who was driving with his 9-year-old nephew.
Cooney fired multiple shots at Lewis’ car, striking him in the back and injuring the child. His defense argued that he acted in self-defense due to PTSD from a prior bike crash, but the judge rejected this claim. Judge Sean O’Donnell noted Cooney’s history of provoking confrontations and described the killing as intentional.
Lewis’ family expressed deep grief, with his sister stating that Cooney had “unleashed a wave of grief that will never heal”. The case has drawn attention due to its implications for road rage violence and community safety.