Orest Schur, a former U.S. Space Force sergeant, was sentenced to 54 years in prison for fatally shooting 14-year-old Xavier Kirk during a 2023 carjacking attempt outside his home in Aurora, Colorado. Schur became emotional as he apologized for the tragedy before the sentence was handed down on August 15.
The incident occurred late on July 5, 2023, when Schur, then 27 and stationed in Aurora, was awakened by a car alarm outside his apartment. He armed himself and confronted two individuals dressed in black attempting to break into his Hyundai Elantra. When the suspects fled in another vehicle, Schur pursued them and fired multiple rounds.
The getaway car crashed four blocks away, where Kirk and a 13-year-old accomplice fled on foot. Schur continued to shoot, fatally wounding Kirk and injuring the 13-year-old, who survived after reaching a relative’s home.
Schur was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder, but a jury convicted him of second-degree charges. Schur claimed self-defense, alleging the teens had fired first; however, investigators found no evidence the teens were armed.
Adams County Judge Caryn Datz stated that as a trained military professional, Schur should have known better than to use lethal force. District Attorney Brian Mason condemned the actions as vigilante violence that cost a young life.
During sentencing, Kirk’s family questioned why Schur fired on unarmed teenagers, emphasizing that Schur’s car was never stolen. The wounded teen also released a statement expressing his pain and calling the shooting unjust.
Schur faced up to 80 years in prison and will now spend over five decades behind bars for his actions.
