Four years after the tragic shooting incident in East Akron, 62-year-old Phillip Mendoza has been sentenced to prison for his part in the death of a toddler. According to Cleveland19, Mendoza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and three counts of felonious assault before Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Alison McCarty.

During the somber proceedings, Mendoza, an Akron resident from Edward Avenue, received a sentence of 15 to 20.5 years in prison. The tragedy unfolded back in August 2020 when Mendoza fired several shots into a home on 5th Avenue, striking three individuals. Among the victims was 20-month-old Tyree Halsell, who tragically succumbed to his injuries, a fact confirmed by the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office.

Philip Mendoza Pleads Guilty in Connection with 2020 Shooting Death of 20-Month-Old - Sentenced to 15-to-20.5 Years in Prison https://t.co/VfW9mUWa9b #akron #summitcounty #safety #crime pic.twitter.com/9FYaHpvfl6

— Prosecutor Kolkovich (@ProsKolkovich) August 6, 2024

A total of seven people were present in the home during the drive-by shooting. While two others were injured, the remaining four individuals were unharmed in the attack. As reported by Fox8, Mendoza's immediate sentencing followed his guilty plea on multiple charges.