Racine Man Sentenced: Probation for Shooting Incident
RACINE, WI, A Racine man who shot his mother’s ex-boyfriend, claiming he was protecting her, has been sentenced to five years of probation.
On Friday, June 27, Racine County Circuit Court Judge Jon E. Fredrickson delivered the sentence, prompting tears of joy and embraces among Damian Mason’s family. Erika Mason, seated in the courtroom gallery, buried her face in her other son’s shoulder, overwhelmed with relief that Damian would soon be released from jail.
“If anybody is to blame, it’s me and Mr. Altman, not my son. He doesn’t deserve this.” Erika said to the court. After the sentencing Erika exclaimed “God is good!” to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel outside the Racine County Courthouse. “Damian saved my life that day. He was a hero …. and he didn’t deserve any of this to happen to him. I’m just so glad my son is coming home.”
The incident occurred on June 19, 2022, when Mason, then 17, intervened in a violent altercation between his mother and her then-boyfriend on the 1100 block of Racine Street. Prosecutors say Mason shot the man five times as he attempted to drive away. The victim survived but sustained permanent damage to one arm.
“He didn’t set out to kill anyone … He was trying to protect his mother” “This was a chaotic, stressful situation that he didn’t create.”
Attorney Carl Johnson, of Cafferty & Scheidegger.
Mason, now 20, and his defense team argued he acted to protect his mother. However, a jury in May convicted him of attempted second-degree intentional homicide with a dangerous weapon and possession of a dangerous weapon while under 18. He faced serious time, up to 60 years in prison for the homicide charge and nine months for the gun charge.
Damian Mason’s supporters rallied in Racine, arguing his actions were protected under Wisconsin’s self-defense law, which permits deadly force to defend a third party.
Cafferty & Scheidegger defense attorney Carl Johnson advocated for probation, emphasizing Damian’s lack of prior criminal history and his clear intent to protect his mother.
Mason, held in Racine County Jail since his conviction, was ordered released immediately. In determining the sentence, Judge Fredrickson balanced the victim’s injuries and public safety concerns against Mason’s clean record and efforts to better himself, including graduating from J.I. Case High School while on house arrest for 34 months post-shooting.
In a crowded courtroom, Mason addressed the judge, affirming his character and commitment to self-improvement despite the conviction. “What happened that day, I just felt I had no other choice,” he said.
What does the future look like for Damian Mason
Mason is now focusing on therapy, hopes to record music about his experience, and plans to establish a nonprofit organization to assist young people in Racine in navigating violence, fear, and systemic challenges. He intends to mentor young men facing difficult choices, sharing his knowledge about accountability and survival within a system that often appears to be stacked against them.
“Every day, I reflect on what transpired, and I am driven by a desire to use my experiences to help others,” Mason expressed.
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If you or a loved one needs us there are several ways to contact Cafferty & Scheidegger.. You can fill our website contact form here, or you can call or text us at [(262) 632-5000](tel:(262) 632-5000). We defend your rights in Walworth, Kenosha and Racine Wisconsin.
