A Shreveport man charged in connection with a July 10, 2015 carjacking was convicted Wednesday, May 16, 2018, in Caddo District Court.
It took the jury 25 minutes to return a unanimous verdict against Shamichael Dewayne Edwards, 37, whose trial began Monday, May 14, 2018, in District Judge Brady D. O’Callaghan’s courtroom.
Edwards stood accused of taking a vehicle from his victim and demanding money for its return. The victim told Edwards he didn’t have any money, so Edwards forced the victim to walk to an ATM at a nearby convenience store, following him closely. The victim alerted the store clerk of the carjacking, and Edwards fled the scene. The vehicle later was found hidden in the backyard of a residence, stripped of its rims and tires and up on cinder blocks.
Edwards has prior convictions: attempted simple burglary, 2002; attempted 2nd-degree robbery, 2003; attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 2006; simple robbery, 2004; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 2010.
He faces two to 20 years in prison at hard labor, without the benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence. His sentencing has not yet been scheduled. He will return to court June 18, 2018, for further proceedings and post-trial motions.
Edwards was defended by Carlos Prudhomme and Mary Harried. Prosecutors were Assistant District Attorneys Mekisha Smith Creal and Kodie Smith.