LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Michael Lemond, the man who plead guilty to second-degree assault in connection to a 2020 drive-by shooting that left 5-year-old Malakai Roberts blind, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison on Thursday, according to LEX 18 in court.
Lemond entered guilty pleas to two counts of second-degree assault and two amended counts of second-degree wanton endangerment on Aug. 15, according to court documents.
During the sentencing hearing, Lemond's defense team highlighted his self-improvement efforts over the past four years while in custody. The defense told Fayette Circuit Judge Lucy VanMeter that Lemond had participated in various programs, including Christian-based substance abuse counseling.
"So the time he's been in there, he hasn't just sat there, he's trying to better himself, your honor," the defense said.
Lemond, now 23, addressed the victims directly during the hearing, expressing remorse for his actions.
"First off, I want to start off by saying how sorry I am for the pain I've caused you and your family, I know there isn't enough work that can take back the trauma I've caused, and to this day, I regret putting a gun in my hand that night," Lemond said. "I wish I could take the pain away and place it all on myself, even the situation because no innocent human, especially a child deserves to go through what I put you through."
Lemond explained he has been incarcerated since age 18 and reflected on his personal growth.
"I've been locked up since I was 18, now I'm 23. If you ask me, I've grown into a pretty good person," Lemond said. "And looking back, I can't believe that I was that bad of a person."This is not the life I want to live. I've missed out on good memories with my family, but like I said, I'm terribly sorry about everything I've put you through and I hope you can find it in your heart one day to forgive me."
Judge VanMeter described the case as "terribly tragic" before imposing the sentence.
"Mr. Lemond went out with his co-defendant. He shot up a house. Unfortunately, the house that was struck with the bullets was not his intended target and a young mother and her children were laying in bed. The mother was struck and a 5-year-old child was struck," VanMeter said.
"Given the deliberate, violent, dangerous nature of the offense, I'm gonna impose the sentence recommendation by the Commonwealth, 10 years on count 1, 5 years on count 2, 12 months on counts 3 and 4 and I'm gonna order that time to run consecutive for a total of 15 years," the judge said.
Lemond's custody credit still needs to be calculated, which he can appeal administratively.
LEX 18 previously reported that in December 2020, Roberts was struck in the head by a bullet during the shooting, leaving him blind.
In January 2021, LEX 18 visited his mother, Cacy Roberts, who stated, "His spirits are really high. He's adjusting really well. He's taking it so much better than I would have if it were me so I'm really proud of him."
Malakai went on to receive a prosthetic eye and was also honored in front of thousands at halftime of the Vrbo Citrus Bowl in January 2022.
In May 2025, LEX 18 reported that North Lexington YMCA honored Malakai with it's the "Many Miles for Malakai" event challenges where participants ran four miles every four hours for 48 hours. The organization is focused on raising awareness for gun violence victims.
