Oats, Courtsey-cpd
COLUMBUS, Ind. – One of the two men allegedly responsible for the Lincoln Park drive-by shooting in May 2023 was given a lengthy prison sentence by Bartholomew County Superior Court 1.
Bartholomew County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Holden-Kay announced Wednesday that 21-year-old Edmarius Oats has been sentenced to a term of 38 years carried out in the Department of Correction by Bartholomew County Superior Court 1 Judge Jim Worton.
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message: reckless acts of violence will not be tolerated in our community. The defendant carried out a drive-by shooting at a public park, turning a place where young people play basketball into a war zone. He deliberately opened fire from a moving vehicle, striking four victims and leaving lasting scars on them, their loved ones, and this community. This was not a momentary lapse in judgment; it was a calculated and cowardly attack fueled by anger and ego. By removing him from our streets for decades, the court has ensured that our community is safer and that the victims and their families can begin to heal knowing justice has been served,” said Prosecutor Holden-Kay.
Investigators determined the dispute between Oats and one of the victims was over a female that both had previously dated,
The Prosecutor’s Office commends the swift and thorough work of the Columbus Police Department, the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, and all investigators who worked tirelessly on this case. Their commitment, along with the cooperation of witnesses and community members, was instrumental in securing this conviction and ensuring accountability for such a senseless act of violence.
