A Shreveport man who shot and killed his cousin’s boyfriend, claiming self-defense and threatening his brother and cousin who witnessed his crime, was found guilty as charged of second-degree murder in Caddo District Court, Thursday, March 7, 2024.
The six-woman, six-man jury in District Judge Michael Pitman’s court deliberated less than an hour before returning a unanimous guilty verdict for Dana Combs, 27, in the shooting death of Colvin Wayne Germany, 39.
Through testimony, the jury learned that on April 24, 2021, Germany and his girlfriend had an argument after she found messages from another woman on his phone. After the two arrived home, Germany begin packing his belongings, and allegedly took the girlfriend’s tax refund money.
The girlfriend told Combs and the other cousins that Germany had taken her money. Combs along with others went to Germany’s house in the 4100 Block of Theo Street and waited by a vacant house across the street, armed with guns and lead pipes. When Germany arrived to pick up the remainder of his belongings, Combs approached him, shooting him several times, killing him.
Germany was hit by bullets in the side of his neck, back, and hands. A pathologist testified that the victim’s hands were likely on the steering wheel when he was shot. After shooting Germany, Combs pulled Germany out of the car and drove away.
Throughout the course of the case, Combs urged his brother who witnessed the shooting, as well as his cousins, Germany’s girlfriend to not show up to court, and recant their testimonies, sending threatening messages.
Combs took the stand, claiming self-defense, testifying that Germany was going for a gun when he rushed the vehicle. A detective testified in rebuttal that his statements were inconsistent with evidence and Comb’s behavior leading up to trial.
Combs face life in prison without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspended sentence. He is to be sentenced on March 20, 2024.
He was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sam Crichton and Christopher Bowman and defended by Attorney Michael Enright and Stephen Folk-Cruthirds.
# # #