Louisville man sentenced in fatal Harvest Homecoming shooting

NEW ALBANY, Ind. -- Joshua Smith, 20, was sentenced on Friday for his involvement in the fatal shooting at last year's Harvest Homecoming in New Albany. He faced numerous serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, and aggravated battery, among others.

Court records indicate that Smith accepted a plea deal in February, though the specifics of the agreement have been kept confidential. In a Floyd County courtroom, he received a prison sentence of eight years, along with two years of probation.

The shooting incident resulted in the tragic death of 18-year-old Bryce Gerlach, a senior at Corydon Central High School, and also left two others injured. Smith, a resident of Louisville, is one of five individuals charged in connection with the crime.

The case has drawn significant attention in the community, highlighting the impact of gun violence. Smith's sentencing concludes a key part of the legal proceedings surrounding the incident.

As the remaining defendants face their charges, the community continues to mourn the loss of Gerlach and seeks justice for all those affected.