COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two teenagers were arrested in connection to the shooting of Ohio State wrestler Sammy Sasso nearly three weeks ago, according to the Columbus Division of Police.
Sasso was shot during a carjacking on the evening of Aug. 18. on North High Street near the University District.
Sasso was found in an alley near campus and taken to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in serious condition.
According to an incident report from Columbus police, witnesses say the incident started as a carjacking. Sasso stopped and got out of his car along North High Street. That's when two suspects came up to Sasso, pulled out a handgun and demanded his car before shooting him.
The suspects drove away from the scene.
Columbus police arrested 15-year-old Casia Mayfield and 16-year-old Elijah Lee.
Mayfield is charged with two counts of aggravated robbery and one count each of felonious assault, theft and weapon under disability. Lee is charged with two counts of aggravated robbery and one count each of felonious assault and theft.
Mayfield had 11 warrants out for her arrest, including receiving stolen property, theft and fleeing. In court, prosecutors said she had been in violation on a GPS ankle monitor on a previous case.
Lee was released from the Department of Youth Services on Aug. 13. Sasso's shooting took place five days later. Prosecutors say Lee is the one who pulled the trigger.
The prosecutor asked the judge to hold the two teens in due to an extreme concern for public safety if they were released. Both teens will be held.
In the days following the shooting, Sasso tweeted out his appreciation for everyone's support and that he was steadily improving.
According to a GoFundMe account that was set up for Sasso, family members said the wrestler was shot in the abdomen.
He went through surgery to have the bullet removed near his spine. Because of the bullet’s trajectory, he suffered severe nerve damage to his spine.
Sasso spent three days in the ICU and was transferred to an acute care unit to receive additional care for his injuries.
The wrestler was released from the hospital and transferred to a rehabilitation facility where he is receiving physical therapy and learning how to walk again.
The teens are expected to be in court again Sept. 5. The prosecutor is also asking for the teens to be charged as adults.