A Shreveport man who fired shots at three people in Queensborough in 2016, killing a teen, was found guilty of manslaughter Monday, March 26, 2018, by a Caddo Parish jury.
Sir’detrick Lomone Samuels, 20, was convicted of manslaughter in the slaying of Tremon Jackson, 16, slain standing with two other people outside a house on Boss Avenue November 8, 2016. The shots from a 9mm handgun were fired after a short exchange of words between Samuels and the others. Two people with Jackson — his uncle and a longtime family friend — found shelter in a garage and were not injured but the teen was shot twice in the back and once in a leg. Jackson was found bleeding to death in his grandmother’s driveway. Family members attempted to rush him to University Health, but their car stalled not far away. Medical help arrived and took Jackson to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The trial began Monday, March 19, and the 12-person jury, with two alternates, heard its first testimony Thursday, March 22. Jackson’s grandmother and aunt testified, speaking about what he meant to the family, how his loss has affected them, describing him as a funny, quiet person who enjoyed basketball and video games. The state called more than 20 witnesses, including DNA experts, ballistics experts, police officers, family members, and eyewitnesses.
On Monday, March 26, after a weekend recess, the jury began its deliberations. It returned the guilty verdict for manslaughter after just over three hours of deliberation.
Caddo District Judge John D. Mosley Jr., who will sentence Samuels on May 14, 2018, ordered a pre-sentencing investigation. Samuels faces up to 40 years in prison for the manslaughter conviction. However, the state intends to file a habitual offender bill, as Samuels has a prior felony conviction for the violent crime of second-degree battery. As a gun was used in the commission of the slaying, the state also intends to seek a firearm enhancement for the sentencing, allowing additional prison time.
Prosecutors were Britney A. Green and William J. Edwards. Samuels was defended by J. Antonio Florence.