Second-degree battery on a girlfriend may net a Shreveport man a life sentence, following his conviction Thursday, June 29, 2017, in Caddo District Court.
The three-man, three-woman jury in Judge Katherine Dorroh’s court deliberated 30 minutes to find Shelton Leonard Abercrumbia, 53, guilty of the May 2016 beating that left his victim, Shunte Russell, with severe injuries.
Jurors determined that Abercrumbia argued with Russell, striking her three times in the face, leaving her with a fractured nose and orbital bone that each required surgery to repair. Abercrumbia admitted striking Russell because she disrespected him.
Under normal circumstances, the sentencing range for the offense is up to eight years. However, Abercrumbia has prior convictions that allow prosecutors to seek enhanced sentencing, which they plan to do. Abercrumbia’s prior convictions are for possession of cocaine in 2000 and 2008 and bank fraud and middle-grade theft in 2006.
Demonstrating at sentencing July 6, 2017, that Abercrumbia is a four-time felon increases the sentencing range to 20 years to life in prison.
Prosecutors were assistant district attorneys Jason Waltman and Nancy Berger. Schneider. Abercrumbia was defended by David McClatchey.