Man who crashed stolen car, shot bystanders trying to help him sentenced to decades in prison

XENIA — The man who went on a violent crime spree in Greene County has learned his punishment.

As News Center 7 reported at 5:00, Tyion Thornton crashed a stolen car and shot two men who tried to help him in Xenia.

Wednesday was sentencing for Thornton, where he learned he’ll be in prison until he’s nearly 50.

In a plea agreement, Thornton admitted to charges including attempted murder and felonious assault.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man accused of crashing stolen car, shooting 2 people enters plea

Before he learned his punishment Wednesday, his lawyer read a statement Thornton wrote.

“I sincerely apologize for the events that occurred November 3, 2023. I take full responsibility for my actions and I ask for forgiveness from the victims,” read Mike Brush, Thornton’s defense lawyer.

Thornton also asked the court for forgiveness, but the apology fell on deaf ears.

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Prosecutors talked about how one of the victims who was shot fell to the ground and how Thornton then stood over him firing several more times.

“Six, seven more times into that young man’s body. That is evil. That is just evil,” said Bill Morrison, Greene County Assistant Prosecutor.

The judge mentioned Thornton’s “extensive juvenile record” and said since his arrest last fall, he has not been a model inmate at the Greene County Jail.

“It’s the court’s opinion the defendant’s conduct in this case demonstrates a heinous disregard for human life,” said Judge Michael Buckwalter, Greene County Common Pleas Court.

Thornton was sentenced to prison for 28 to 33 ½ years.

As News Center 7 previously reported, Thornton crashed a stolen car into several other cars on East Second Street in Xenia.

When two neighbors came to help him, he shot both men.

One of them was in court Wednesday in a wheelchair, still recovering from his injuries. He stood as deputies led Thornton from the courtroom.

After the shooting, Thornton stole a truck.

Police found that pickup truck and Thornton at a gas station where they arrested him.

Once Thornton is released he will have to register on the state’s violent offender registry for a decade.

We will continue updating this story.

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