A Shreveport man convicted in October for leading a mass shooting downtown last year that left a man dead must serve the rest of his natural life in prison, a Shreveport judge ruled Thursday, November 14, 2024.
Devin Owen Porter Jr., 21, found guilty October 25 of leading a mass shooting in the Red River entertainment district, was sentenced to mandatory life in prison without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence for firing the shot that left 32-year-old Jacorvin Taylor dead. Shots fired by Porter and accomplices critically wounded six other people and led to a high-speed flight from officers that crossed the city.
On the six convictions for attempted murder, District Judge Chris Victory decreed that Porter must serve 40 years at hard labor on each count, again without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence. For the conviction for aggravated flight from an officer he must serve five years at hard labor. All the sentences are to be served concurrently.
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 60 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.
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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