Man Who Shot, Killed Firefighter Sentenced To 4 Years In Prison
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) — An emotional day in Prince George's county, as a man who shot two firefighters, killing one, faces a judge for sentencing on gun charges. The welfare check turned shooting devastated the department, and one year later, they are still feeling the impact.
Darrell Lumpkin's four-year sentence was handed down just on Friday evening, and so many firefighters showed up at the courthouse to support Lumpkin's victims, the proceedings had to be moved to a bigger courtroom.
No comment from Darrell Lumpkin leaving the Prince George's County Courthouse, after learning he'll spend at least four years behind bars for gun charges.
"This case from the day that it occurred, was a case that was full of misery. It was one that affected this entire community," says Prince George's County state's attorney Angela Alsobrooks.
Dozens of Morningside Firefighters packed the courtroom, almost one year to the day after two of their own were shot, responding to help Lumpkin in the midst of a diabetic episode.
John Ulmschneider was killed, leaving behind a wife and 2-year-old toddler.
Kevin Swain survived but told the court he still has two bullets in his body. In court, firefighters described the lasting impacts of that day, including surgeries, anxiety issues, nightmares, and flashbacks.
"There's nothing that was said and done in the courtroom today that will change the outcome of this senseless tragedy and the loss of John Ulmschneider," says Prince George's County Fire Chief Ben Barksdale.
Lumpkin was never charged with Ulmshneider's death, only having guns illegally after the law changed. His Defense Attorney Brian McDaniel told reporters, "He's sorry that this happened. This is not something that he intended to happen. He did not intend to take the life of officer Ulmschneider."
Saturday marks one year since this tragedy happened. The fire chief says this situation is always in the back of his Firefighters' minds and has changed the way they respond to welfare calls.
Darrell Lumpkin's attorney says he will ask the judge to reconsider the length of the sentence.
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