Michael Juan Smith was found guilty Monday evening on all counts in the shooting that paralyzed first-year management student Martha Childress two years ago, according to The State.
Childress was paralyzed from the waist down in the shooting, and has required the use of a wheelchair ever since. She returned to campus six months later with a focus on improving the safety of the USC community: "I have an opinion, I have a voice and I'm going to be heard" she said in an interview with The Daily Gamecock at the time. "Someone has to do it. I guess it's going to be me."
President Harris Pastides welcomed the ruling.
“The last 20 months have been grueling for Martha, her family and friends," he said in an email. "She has offered me and many others lessons in determination and courage. Today, Martha is an active member of our Carolina family and I am very happy that she can now resume her education and her life with a sense of closure.”
Smith was charged with attempted murder and a federal weapons charge.
He was sentenced to 40 years in prison.