Shreveport Sees Justice Served in Tragic Convenience Store Shooting

Convenience store scene with police presence

News Summary

Noel Deon Garner has been found guilty of second-degree murder for the shooting death of Jermond Lamar Houston at a convenience store in Shreveport. The jury’s unanimous verdict followed compelling evidence, including surveillance footage and forensic analysis, which contradicted claims of self-defense. Garner is now awaiting sentencing, facing the possibility of a mandatory life sentence as the community reflects on this tragic incident that underscores the issues of violence and safety.

Shreveport Sees Justice Served in Tragic Convenience Store Shooting

In a shocking turn of events, Noel Deon Garner, a 30-year-old resident of Shreveport, has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the heartbreaking case surrounding the tragic shooting of Jermond Lamar Houston, aged 25. This decision comes after a jury of two women and ten men deliberated and reached a unanimous verdict, signifying the weight of the evidence presented during the trial.

The Incident That Shook the Community

The incident took place on January 20, 2022, at a bustling convenience store located at the intersection of Buncombe Road and W. 70th Street. What initially seemed like a normal day turned deadly when Garner approached Houston and fired a series of gunshots that would forever change the lives of many.

Throughout the trial, the evidence was compelling, particularly the surveillance footage captured from three different angles inside and outside the store. The chilling visuals painted a vivid picture of the events leading up to and following the shooting, giving the jury insight into the chaotic moments that unfolded that fateful day.

Excessive Force Highlighted in Court

As Assistant District Attorney Christopher Bowman articulated during the proceedings, the sheer number of shots fired—described as “shot to hell”—pointed to a level of intent that could not be overlooked. Medical expert Dr. Long Jin provided a heart-wrenching testimony, revealing that Houston suffered 26 gunshot wounds, with the initial shots striking him in the back. This pivotal detail undermined claims of self-defense put forth by the defense.

Defense attorney T-Dale Woolbert attempted to suggest that Houston had entered the store with two firearms, raising questions about Garner’s motives. However, the video evidence told a different story. It clearly showed Houston casually attempting to purchase a red sports drink, engaging with the store clerk, and having no prior confrontation before the sudden attack.

The Sequence of Events

As the footage rolled, it became evident that Garner acted swiftly. He was seen approaching Houston from behind and grabbing the gun from his pocket without any warning. When Houston retreated towards the exit and raised his hand, that marked a critical moment when the shooting began, with Garner firing Houston’s own weapon. The horrifying scene continued outside the store, where after striking Houston on the ground, Garner brazenly shot him again.

Crucial Evidence Leads to Conviction

In a swift move post-shooting, Garner fled the scene, hopping into the passenger side of a white Mercury Grand Marquis. Law enforcement later found DNA evidence linking Garner to the crime, including traces found on the seats and floor of the vehicle. In addition, a bloody t-shirt that matched Garner’s DNA was discovered nearby, further solidifying the prosecution’s case.

The investigation also uncovered a fingerprint belonging to Garner on a cup that was left behind in the store after the shooting. As if that wasn’t enough, two guns linked to Garner’s DNA were found in a wall duct at the location where he was apprehended a week after the incident. These staggering findings painted a clear picture and left the jury with little doubt about Garner’s culpability.

Awaiting Sentencing

As the trial wraps up, Noel Deon Garner is now facing a mandatory life sentence, with his sentencing scheduled for May 15. The community watches closely as justice remains a priority, reflecting on a tragic incident that impacted so many and serves as a reminder of the larger issues surrounding violence and safety. With the verdict in, Shreveport can slowly begin to heal while ensuring that such incidents may be minimized in the future.