"Gavel symbolizing justice delivery"
Residents of Shreveport, LA received some closure on Tuesday when District Judge Ramona Emanuel handed Deangelo Deshun Whitaker a mandatory life prison term. The 23-year-old was convicted late last month of a second-degree murder he committed in May 2021. Whitaker must serve his sentence without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence, ensuring justice is served for the victim and his grieving family.
The crime scene, which caused shockwaves through the community, took place at the Lake Villa Apartments on the 3700 block of Richmond Avenue. On May 2, 2021, the victim, 19-year-old Emanual Emon King, attended a party at the apartment complex. As the night progressed, an altercation broke out, escalating to gunfire.
Guests at the party scrambled for cover upstairs as Whitaker, along with two others, opened fire. Left behind in the chaos, King found himself cornered and fatally shot multiple times by the three gunmen. The young man died at the scene. Whitaker and his accomplices then fled, leaving behind a scene of horror.
Authorities acted at breakneck speed, managing to apprehend Whitaker and his accomplices shortly after the crime was committed. Whitaker’s trial saw a new level of urgency, with him being convicted February 29, 2024. Meanwhile, Whitaker’s co-defendants, Anderito Smith Jr. and Zykeyland Johnson, also faced swift justice. Pleading guilty to manslaughter just days before Whitaker’s conviction, they were sentenced to 40 and 20 years of hard labor respectively.
The swift and decisive actions by the authorities stand as a testament to Caddo Parish District Attorney’s strong stand against such heinous crimes. Whitaker’s case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Kodie K. Smith and Bill Edwards, while Katherine Ferguson and Royal Alexander provided his defense.
This heinous crime had left a lasting impact on the community, affecting residents’ sense of safety and security. The appropriate punishment meted out will undoubtedly offer some solace, restoring the faith of Shreveport’s residents in the legal system’s efficacy to serve justice.
As the community learns to move forward from this heinous act, it is important to remember the countless resources available to victims and their families. From the Victim Assistance Program to various hotlines available, anyone affected by crime is encouraged to reach out and get the support they need.
While we can’t erase the tragedy, outcomes like these remind us that justice can and will be sought after. As such, the community will steadily recover, reinforcing its resilience and shared dedication to safety and peace.
For support, assistance, and further information, residents can reach the following services:
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