News Summary
A 39-year-old man was sentenced to life in prison for the road rage shooting of Larry Milligan, who was killed in September 2020. The incident highlighted concerns about increasing violence on the roadways, with devastating consequences for Milligan’s family, including three children. The case reveals the tragic impacts of aggressive driving and has sparked discussions on road safety and conflict resolution.
South Phoenix – A 39-year-old man was sentenced to life in prison following his conviction for the road rage shooting death of Larry Milligan in September 2020. Steven Orona was found guilty of first-degree murder and a drive-by shooting by a jury, marking a tragic chapter in the community’s response to escalating violence on the roadways.
The violent incident occurred on Seventh Avenue near Interstate 17, where surveillance footage revealed Orona pulling alongside Milligan’s vehicle and firing through the open window, striking him in the head. Milligan’s car subsequently crashed, and he was declared dead at the scene. At the time of his death, Milligan was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was a husband and father to three children.
Law enforcement officials apprehended Orona more than a month after the shooting when they discovered his SUV concealed on property belonging to his girlfriend’s family in Buckeye. Authorities noted that the vehicle had been modified, with its rims painted black, suggesting an attempt to alter its appearance and avoid detection. His girlfriend, Yessenia Garcia Rocha, witnessed the shooting and later testified about their plan to hide the vehicle, leading to her plea deal for a misdemeanor charge of tampering with physical evidence; she received a one-year probation sentence.
The Impact of Road Rage
During the sentencing hearing, Milligan’s wife addressed the court, sharing the profound grief that has enveloped her family since the loss of her husband. She highlighted the challenges she faces as a single parent to their three children, emphasizing the lasting impact of the sudden tragedy on their lives.
Addressing Violence on the Streets
County Attorney Rachel Mitchell commented on the destructive nature of road rage incidents, noting the unsettling frequency of such violence on the streets. The entire episode transpired in a mere 48 seconds but resulted in irrevocable consequences for Milligan’s family. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential peril associated with road rage.
Background of the Incident
The events leading up to the shooting remain a grim illustration of how seemingly minor disputes on the road can escalate into fatal encounters. Road rage has been a growing concern in various regions, often leading to violent confrontations. This case has drawn attention to the need for awareness and education regarding aggressive driving behavior and the critical importance of conflict resolution.
As communities strive to address the root causes of road rage, authorities are urging drivers to remain calm and composed, regardless of the situational pressures faced on the road. The devastating outcomes of such incidents have prompted calls for stronger legislation and preventative measures to protect individuals from senseless acts of violence.
The sentencing of Steven Orona serves as both a cautionary tale and a reflection of the broader societal issues related to aggression and violence in everyday scenarios, urging all drivers to cultivate a culture of safety and respect on the roadways.
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Additional Resources
- AZCentral: Buckeye Man Sentenced for Deadly Road Rage Shooting
- ABC15: Armed Road Rage Incident Caught on Tesla Camera
- KTAR: Phoenix Road Rage Shooter Sentenced
- Wikipedia: Road Rage
- Fox10Phoenix: Tempe Road Rage Victim Laid to Rest
