Midlothian Man Takes Plea Deal In Shooting That Paralyzed Teen

MIDLOTHIAN, IL — A Midlothian man who admitted he shot and paralyzed a teen in Indiana in 2020 could face up to 16 years in prison after taking a plea deal, according to a report.

Aaron McLain, now 19, of Midlothian, Illinois and also of Gary, Ind. is scheduled for sentencing Nov. 15, reports the Post-Tribune.

McLain is reported to have signed a plea deal filed Oct. 20, pleading guilty to aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony. Terms of the deal include a possible sentence of three to 16 years, the Post-Tribune reports.

The incident took place June 14, 2020, in the 500 block of Lincoln Street in Gary, Ind. when McLain reportedly shot the victim, who was 16 at the time, in the chest. The victim told police he and McLain had both been sitting in a car waiting for a tow truck, when McLain pointed at him and fired. The bullet exited the victim's back, severing his spine and leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.

A judge has yet to review and accept the plea deal, according to the Post-Tribune.