Convicted Killer Stuns Court With Tearful Prayer
A Houston man, 26-year-old Deshawn Longmire, was found guilty in the fatal shooting of Pastor Ronald K. Mouton during a brief road rage encounter in 2022. Following the verdict, Longmire addressed the courtroom, expressing remorse for his actions and asking the late pastor’s family for forgiveness. He acknowledged the pain he caused and said he never intended for the situation to unfold the way it did, offering prayers for the family’s healing and restoration.
Pastor Mouton, a respected leader of East Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, was killed in June 2022 after a short altercation with Longmire while both were driving on the Gulf Freeway in Houston. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts revealed that the confrontation, which lasted only about 10 seconds, ended with Longmire allegedly reaching out of his vehicle and shooting Mouton, who then crashed and died at the scene.
The pastor’s twin brother, Rev. Roland Mouton Jr., who has been vocal in seeking justice, said the family is relieved by the verdict. Although the decision brings a sense of closure, the emotional weight of losing such a significant figure in their lives remains heavy. Rev. Mouton acknowledged that while the family forgives Longmire, accountability under the law is still necessary.
During the investigation, witnesses described seeing the two men arguing at a stoplight before Longmire pulled out a firearm and fired. Neither man left their car, but the confrontation escalated quickly. The incident occurred around 5 p.m., and Pastor Mouton, who left behind a wife, four children, and ten grandchildren, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Longmire now awaits sentencing and could face life in prison without the possibility of parole. The case has drawn attention for its tragic outcome, stemming from a brief encounter that ended the life of a beloved community leader and left a family and congregation grieving.