A man from California has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after admitting to the second-degree murder of his teenage half-brother, who had cerebral palsy and used a wheelchair. Zuberi Sharp, 26, pleaded guilty in March and received his sentencing on Tuesday, as detailed by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
Sharp acknowledged several aggravating factors in committing the crime, such as causing severe injury, using a weapon, and the victim’s vulnerability.
The incident occurred on December 5, 2024, at about 8 p.m. A 911 call from Zaid’s mother reported that her son had been struck in the head with an object.
The mother stated that Sharp attacked Zaid with a pickaxe in a shed located in the backyard. An uncle of the victim heard a loud noise and hurried to check on them, only to find Sharp standing above Zaid with the pickaxe in hand.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Zaid was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. Sharp fled but was later located at nearby Newbury Park High School, where officers apprehended him following reports of a man behaving erratically on the football field.
This prompted a lockdown at the school, as student-athletes were present during the incident.
Senior Deputy District Attorney David Russell commented that the sentence reflects the gravity of this violent act towards a vulnerable victim. He emphasized that while the loss is irreversible, the sentence ensures the defendant faces consequences, and the family is spared the ordeal of a trial.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. However, family members suggested that Sharp might have been experiencing a manic episode at the time.
In a painful reflection, Zaid’s mother once shared her heartache during a memorial event, saying, “It was really hard. It hurts every day.” It’s worth noting that Zuberi Sharp is also the son of Calvin Sharp, a convicted murderer who took the life of a 6-year-old boy in 2007; he received a life sentence for his crime.
Inquiries regarding the case were directed to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
