A Shreveport man was found guilty Friday, October 25, 2024, of leading a mass shooting in the Red River entertainment district, which led to the death of one person, critical wounding of six others and a high-speed flight from officers that crossed the city last year.
Devin Owen Porter Jr., 21, was found guilty as charged of all eight charges against him — second-degree murder, six count of attempted second-degree murder and aggravated flight from officers — by the eight-woman, four-man jury in District Judge Chris Victory’s court. Deliberations lasted about two hours.
On March 25, 2023, Porter and at least two other shooters arrived in a stolen vehicle at the intersection of Texas and Market streets in downtown Shreveport. They opened fire on a group of people heading towards one of the downtown clubs. At least seven people were shot, with one victim, 32-year-old Jacorvin Taylor, fatally wounded. At least sixty shots were fired, with Porter responsible for at least 33 shots, including the fatal round. The shooters then fled in the stolen car. Shreveport police officers pursued the shooters from the intersection of Midway Street and Hearne Avenue to Willie Mays Street, reaching speeds of over 100 mph, running red lights and crossing residential yards. Four occupants abandoned the car and fled. Porter was apprehended by Shreveport police just south of the Peach Street Apartments complex.
Inside or near the abandoned car, police found three AR-style pistols. These were tested and all were determined to have been responsible for the 60 rounds fired at the downtown shooting. DNA on a ski mask found near the vehicle was tied to Porter. Surveillance video at the shooting scene captured Porter and one accomplice during the crime. Searches of Porter’s social media and cell phone further linked him to the murder weapon.
An arrest warrant was issued for one other suspect, who was arrested in Pennsylvania and is currently awaiting extradition. He also faces pending charges in Pennsylvania.
When he returns for sentencing November 13, Porter faces mandatory life imprisonment at hard labor without the benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence for the murder conviction, 10 to 50 years in prison, also without the benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence, for each of the six attempted second-degree murder convictions, and up to five years at hard labor for the aggravated flight conviction.
Porter was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys William J. Edwards, Kodie K. Smith and Victoria Washington. He was defended by Michael Enright and Silver Sanders.
The case was docket No. 394551.
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