Devin Owen Porter sentenced to life in prison

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – A man has been convicted after leading a mass shootings in downtown Shreveport that left one man dead.

The incident occurred on March 25, 2023, when Devin Owen Porter and several others arrived in a stolen vehicle at the intersection of Texas and Market Streets in downtown Shreveport.

Authorities say Porter and others opened fire on a group of people, leaving seven with gunshot wounds. One of the victims, Jacorvin Taylor, 32, was shot and killed by Porter. More than 60 shots were fired during the incident, and Porter was responsible for more than half of those shots, the news release said.

Mass shootings impact children’s mental health. This is what parents can do

After firing into the crowd, the gunmen fled in the stolen car, the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office said. Shreveport police pursued the shooting suspects from an intersection at Midway Street and Hearne Avenue to Willie Mays Street. The stolen car sped through the city at more than 100 miles per hour. The driver of the stolen car ignored the red light as police gave chase.

The district attorney said the suspects then abandoned the stolen vehicle and fled the scene, but SPD was able to apprehend Porter near the Peach Street apartment complex.

Police found three AR-style handguns in the vehicle that were later linked to the 60 bullets fired into the crowd during the downtown shooting. Porter’s DNA was found on a balaclava near the vehicle. His image was captured on surveillance video taken at the crime scene. Porter was also linked to the murder weapon through his social media and cell phone interactions.

Another suspect was arrested in Pennsylvania in connection with the shooting. He is awaiting extradition.

Man found guilty of fatal downtown shooting

District Judge Chris Victory sentenced Porter, 21, to serve the remainder of his natural life in prison. For each of the six attempted murder convictions, 40 years of hard labor will be served. Any conviction must be served without the benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.

Prosecutors say Porter must also serve five years of hard labor for the aggravated flight from officer conviction. The sentences must be served concurrently.

Assistant District Attorneys William J. Edwards, Kodie K. Smith and Victoria Washington prosecuted Porter, who was defended by Michael Enright and Silver Sanders.

Disclaimer Regarding Unconvicted Suspects: All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty.

For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, visit KTALnews.com.