A Shocking Verdict: Benjamin Franklin Guilty of a 2021 Murder
Shreveport, LA – A local resident, Benjamin D. Franklin, aged 26, has been convicted of a grisly second-degree murder that took place back in June 2021. A unanimous jury verdict at the Caddo District Court on March 28, 2024, concluded the trial that saw Franklin sentenced for shooting his ex-girlfriend 20 times.
Swift Justice: A Verdict in Less Than 30 Minutes
District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr. presided over the case. The unanimous guilty verdict was returned by a diligent seven-man, five-woman jury after less than a half-hour of deliberation.
The Crime Scene: Mansfield Road Apartment
Testimony and evidence presented during the trial revealed harrowing details of the heinous act. On June 3, 2021, Franklin brazenly entered his former girlfriend’s apartment on the 9000 block of Mansfield Road and opened fire, hitting her a total of 20 times.
Murder with a Motive: A Previous Armed Robbery
The motivation behind this serious crime was to prevent the victim from identifying Franklin as the perpetrator of a previous armed robbery at a local convenience store. The robbery, in which Franklin was implicated, was cited as the trigger for this appalling act of violence.
Looting the Victim: Theft post the Murder
In the days following the murder, the convict exhibited a startling disregard for the deceased, further demeaning her by stealing her personal property in an effort to pawn it.
Evidence Uncovered: The Murder Weapon and Loot Recovered
Diligent investigative work led the police to Franklin’s residence, where they found both the murder weapon and the stolen personal belongings. These were subsequently presented as key pieces of evidence during the trial. The property was noted to be significantly damaged by Franklin in an evident attempt to destroy it.
A Failed Defense: Claim of Insanity Unproven
Despite pleading not guilty on the grounds of insanity, the claim was dismissed by the court following testimony from a state medical expert. The ambitious defense, led by Lesley Kelly, was not enough to convince the court of Franklin’s innocence.
Sentencing: Life Imprisonment
Benjamin Franklin now awaits his formal sentencing scheduled for May 14, 2024, with the stern assurance of a mandatory life prison sentence. The State, represented by Assistant District Attorneys Jason Waltman and Christopher Bowman, ensured the party responsible for this horrifying crime received their just desserts.
The journey to this verdict was not easy, but justice meted serves as a critical reminder that the rule of law remains resilient in these tough times. For the residents of Shreveport, the conclusion of this case will hopefully bring some semblance of relief and closure.
