Indiana Man Sentenced to 9 Years for Role in Harvest Homecoming Festival Shooting That Killed Teen Bryce Gerlach
NEW ALBANY, INDIANA — Another suspect has been sentenced in the 2024 Harvest Homecoming festival shooting that claimed the life of 18-year-old Bryce Gerlach and injured two others during the crowded fall event.
According to Floyd County prosecutors, Shermichael Smith was sentenced Thursday to nine years in prison for his role in the deadly shooting that unfolded in downtown New Albany on October 12, 2024.
Smith, who had been facing a murder charge, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting battery, along with a five-year gun enhancement. Prosecutors agreed to drop the murder charge in July 2025 as part of a plea deal.
Provided the Vehicle, Not the Gun
Prosecutor Chris Lane said Smith’s role was logistical rather than direct, explaining that Smith drove others from Louisville to New Albany, where the shooting occurred.
“What he pled to was battery under an aiding theory — meaning he helped in the commission of the crime,” Lane said. “He provided the vehicle that took others from Louisville to where that shooting happened.”
Smith’s attorney, William Perry McCall, argued that his client never fired a weapon. “He basically got caught up in something that was beyond his control,” McCall said. “If you’re with a person that starts shooting, you have no control over what that person’s doing, but you’re still tied in, according to the state.”
Tragic Night at a Family Event
The shooting erupted during one of southern Indiana’s largest community events — the Harvest Homecoming Festival — in the midst of a bustling ride area packed with families and teens.
Police said an argument between two groups escalated into gunfire, striking three innocent bystanders, including Gerlach, a Corydon Central High School senior. The 18-year-old died from his injuries, while two others were hospitalized but later recovered.
“This was supposed to be a fun, family-friendly event,” Lane said. “Instead, it turned into tragedy because of senseless violence.”
12 Defendants, Over Eight Decades of Combined Sentences
Smith’s sentencing marks the 12th conviction related to the shooting, which prosecutors say has resulted in a combined 80 years of prison time across multiple defendants.
“We want the public to know they can go outside their door and feel safe,” Lane said, adding that each conviction reflects the community’s determination to “hold violent offenders accountable.”
Other Defendants in the Case
- Joshua Smith, Shermichael’s cousin, was sentenced in March 2025 to seven years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit armed robbery. He will also serve two years of probation following his release and has agreed to testify in remaining trials.
- Darius Tuff, a Louisville resident, received a 37-year sentence in April for two aggravated battery charges and a firearm enhancement.
- Damarius Gardiner Person, 18, of Louisville, was sentenced to six years in May for assisting a criminal and obstruction of justice.
One remaining defendant, Isaiah Page of Simpsonville, has yet to face trial. He is accused of being the primary shooter, charged with murder, attempted murder, voluntary manslaughter, gang activity, and aggravated battery. His trial is set for January 26, 2026.
Community Still Healing
The shooting left a deep mark on the New Albany community. Following the tragedy, festival organizers announced tighter age limits, increased security, and stricter bag checks for future Harvest Homecoming events.
Residents say the sentencing brings some closure — but not peace. “We’ll never forget what happened that night,” one local said. “Bryce should still be here.”
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