Shreveport Man Found Guilty of Neighbor’s Murder Over Phone Charger

Incident Overview

In a shocking turn of events, a man from Shreveport has been convicted of murder following a dispute that escalated over a simple phone charger. On August 21, 2024, a jury found Joshua Parks, aged 30, guilty of second-degree murder in the Caddo District Court.

The Crime Scene

The unfortunate incident took place on December 18, 2020, marking the last homicide of that year in Shreveport. According to testimonies, the victim, Edward Lattin, aged 34, had visited his neighbor Parks’ home to request a phone charger. An argument ensued between Lattin and Parks’ girlfriend over the charger, prompting Lattin to return to his own home.

Escalation of Conflict

After informing his girlfriend about the argument, Lattin stepped outside where tensions reignited between him and the female neighbor. Parks then emerged and confronted Lattin in what witnesses describe as a potentially volatile situation. As the arguments escalated towards physical confrontation, Parks pulled out a .380 caliber handgun and fired shots at Lattin.

Fatal Shots Fired

In a devastating turn, as Lattin attempted to flee, Parks shot him, with Lattin falling to the ground. Witnesses reported that Parks then approached Lattin and fired several more shots, totaling eight gunshot wounds before fleeing the scene. When Parks later surrendered at the Caddo Correctional Center, investigators found his shoes to be stained with Lattin’s blood.

Legal Proceedings

During the trial, which lasted only a short time, it took the jury approximately 30 minutes to reach a unanimous decision on Parks’ guilt. Parks will return to Judge Chris Victory’s courtroom on September 4, 2024, facing a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole or probation.

Repercussions

This tragic case, prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Kodie K. Smith and Bill Edwards, highlights the devastating consequences of escalating conflicts over trivial matters.