Man Found Guilty of Highland Homicide

SHREVEPORT, La. – In a chilling incident that shook the Highland neighbourhood, a man was found guilty of murder and related charges by a Caddo Parish Jury.

Dramatic Day in the Courtroom

The accused, Torail Thomas, 44, was convicted for shooting and killing a 32-year-old acquaintance, Da’Twaine Broomfield on November 10, 2022. The jury took into account compelling evidence and witness testimonies to reach the verdict.

The Fateful Night

According to the jury’s findings, Broomfield had arrived at Thomas’s residence on Boulevard Street on the fateful day. Residents in the vicinity have reported hearing a conversation followed by gunshots coming from Thomas’s apartment. A brief pause ensued, after which additional gunshots were heard.

Witnesses reported seeing Thomas running out of his residence, tossing items in the space beneath his own house and that of his neighbour’s. Upon confrontation by a neighbour about the incident, Thomas shared there was a ‘dead man’ in his home.

Law Enforcement Intervention

Police reports indicate Thomas initially told responding officers that the deceased had consumed some methamphetamine. He purported that while he was away in the bathroom, an unknown person shot Broomfield. Parts of what was later identified as the murder weapon were discovered under Thomas’s home leading to suspicion and subsequent investigation.

The case took a critical turn when Thomas, upon confrontation by detectives later, confessed to shooting Broomfield. He claimed self-defense even though the evidence indicated that the victim was unarmed.

Prior Convictions

Thomas has a past felony conviction for distributing marijuana, which prohibits him from possessing a firearm legally. The firearm used in this incident also stands as an illegal possession.

Impending Sentence

Thomas faces a mandatory life term for the second-degree murder conviction when he returns to court on July 15. In addition, he could face up to 40 years in custody for the obstruction of justice conviction and a sentence ranging between five to 20 years for the illegal weapons possession conviction.