Jury selection and opening arguments in a Caddo Parish armed robbery trial took place Tuesday, June 26, 2018, in Caddo District Court, with closing arguments, expected Wednesday, June 27.
Michael Dewayne Kelly, 38, is charged with robbing a welding shop on Pro Street in west Shreveport on December 13, 2016, after asking for work and then to use the restroom. After luring the elderly business owner to the back of the shop, Kelly pulled out a gun and demanded money. After a scuffle, the shop owner managed to push Kelly out of the shop, but Kelly shot at the owner, who returned fire, his bullets striking Kelly several times. Police arrived to find and arrest the wounded Kelly, but an accomplice had driven off with the shop owner’s wallet.
Three jury panels Tuesday resulted in 12 jurors empaneled, with opening arguments following in District Judge Roy Bruns’ courtroom.
Kelly’s prior convictions are for simple burglary in 2004, illegal possession of stolen things in 2005 and domestic abuse battery in 2009.
If convicted, Kelly faces 10 to 99 years at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence.
Prosecutors are Assistant District Attorneys Josh Williams and William Gaskins. Kelly is represented by Kurt Goins and Thomas Mayfield.A