PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Philadelphia man who opened fire and injured three people outside a hookah lounge near Temple University’s campus a year and a half ago has been sentenced after pleading guilty earlier this year.
Eryk Leach-Gilliam, 25, was sentenced on Wednesday to two years of house arrest in addition to house arrest time already served, plus additional years of probation to follow. He apologized to the court, the victims, his family and the community for the March 2023 shooting outside the Hubble Bubble Hookah Lounge at 10th and Diamond streets.
Gilliam was in the lounge for a cousin’s birthday party, when he got into an altercation with someone and was kicked out by security. Prosecutors say that’s when he pulled out his legally owned firearm — and then got into a tussle with a security guard. In the chaos, three women were wounded by gunfire. Gilliam himself was also shot, by the security guard.
Gilliam pleaded guilty earlier this year to aggravated assault and a weapons charge. He had dozens of supporters in the courtroom and has worked full-time as a home health aide while under house arrest.
Judge Zachary Shaffer called the case “horrific,” saying this is what happens when guns are brought into situations. What could have been a fist fight with cursing and punches, he said, turned into a shooting.”
Shaffer recognized that Gilliam has never been arrested or in trouble with the law. However, he said he was conflicted because Gilliam should never have had a gun.
In the end, Shaffer decided on a punishment that will allow Gilliam to continue to work full-time and “stay on the right path.” The judge added, though, that Gilliam will likely face prison time if he is ever caught with a gun again.