Detroit, Michigan – A 74-year-old Michigan man who brutally attacked a 7-year-old girl at a neighborhood park in broad daylight has been sentenced to spend years in prison, bringing a measure of legal closure to a case that deeply shocked the community and left a young child traumatized.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing Details
On Thursday, Gary Lansky, 74, pleaded guilty but mentally ill to assault with intent to murder and assault with a dangerous weapon, according to Wayne County court records.
36th District Court Judge Malaika D. Ramsey sentenced Lansky to seven to 15 years in prison for the park attack that seriously injured Saida Mashrah, who was just 7 years old at the time.
Lansky also received an additional one-to-four-year sentence for a separate assault conviction involving a relative. The judge ordered both sentences to run concurrently, meaning they will be served at the same time.
The Child Addresses the Court
During the sentencing hearing, Saida Mashrah courageously addressed the court, describing how the violent attack changed her life.
“I feel scared, nervous, and after this accident happened to me, I didn’t want to go to sleep and I didn’t want to go to the park and I didn’t want to do anything,” Saida said. “I felt like I was stuck in the house not doing anything.”
She went on to explain her constant fear of being harmed again.
“I feel like if I go outside somebody would try to take me in their van. I feel like if I went outside someone would try to drag me… kill me.”
What Happened at Ryan Park
The attack occurred on October 8, 2024, in the middle of the day at Ryan Park in Detroit’s Warrendale neighborhood.
According to investigators, Lansky approached Saida while she was playing, lifted her face, and slashed her throat with a pocketknife. He then attempted to stab her in the stomach.
The child screamed and fought back, kicking her attacker before managing to escape and run home. A neighbor quickly applied gauze to her neck to control the bleeding.
“He just came out of nowhere and slid the knife on me,” Saida said shortly after the attack.
As she was being treated, the child told adults nearby, “Oh, I’m going to die, and nobody is going to be here with me.”
Bystanders Intervene
Witnesses at the park intervened moments later, restraining Lansky until police arrived. Saida was taken for medical treatment and ultimately received three stitches to close the deep wounds on her neck.
Authorities credited quick action by neighbors and bystanders with preventing the attack from becoming fatal.
Civil Lawsuit Filed by Family
Following the criminal case, Saida’s family filed a $50 million civil lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court, detailing the violence of the attack.
The complaint alleges that Lansky acted without hesitation, grabbing the child by the chin, forcing her head back, and dragging a knife across her neck. The lawsuit states that he then attempted to stab her stomach, but she fell from his grasp before the blade could penetrate.
The filing describes the incident as deliberate and vicious, emphasizing the lifelong trauma inflicted on the child.
Mother’s Emotional Statement
A statement from Saida’s mother was read aloud in court, describing the lasting impact on their family.
“Since that day, nothing has been the same,” the statement read. “My daughter still smiles sometimes, but it’s not the same smile. It hides tears. Behind it she is broken inside.”
She added that hearing her daughter cry at night has been devastating, even as she tries to remain strong for her.
Community Reaction and Hate Crime Concerns
Local civil rights leaders criticized how the case was handled, expressing concern that prosecutors did not pursue a hate crime enhancement.
“This was not a random act of violence,” said Mariam Charara, executive director of the Arab American Civil Rights League. “This was a tragic, vicious attack.”
Charara argued that the family’s visible identity may have played a role and questioned whether the case would have been handled differently if the circumstances were reversed.
Defendant’s Statement
During sentencing, Lansky offered a brief apology.
“I’d like to say how sorry I am to the family for what I’ve done,” he told the court.
A Case That Left a Lasting Mark
While the prison sentence closes the criminal chapter, Saida’s family says the emotional scars remain. The case has sparked renewed discussions in Detroit about public safety, accountability, and how communities protect their most vulnerable members.
If you or someone you know has experienced violent crime, local victim support services and counseling resources are available. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
