Woman Found Guilty in 2021 Downtown Shreveport Shooting
Details of the Verdict
In a significant ruling, a woman from Texas has been found guilty of a severe downtown Shreveport shooting that occurred in 2021. The woman, Jessica Leigh Griffith, aged 37, was originally charged with aggravated second-degree battery. However, on April 25, 2024, a six-woman jury in District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr.’s court declared her to be responsively guilty of aggravated battery. The jury reached this conclusion after deliberating for slightly more than an hour.
The Incident
On the evening of February 12, 2021, the Texas woman critically injured a man, James Cole Giles, in the parking lot of the Raymond James building in downtown Shreveport. Before the shooting, an altercation had taken place between Griffith’s former boyfriend and Giles. According to testimonies, during the argument, Griffith’s ex-boyfriend allegedly pointed her firearm at Giles. A fight subsequently ensued after Giles managed to knock the gun away.
Seizing the moment, Jessica Griffith retrieved the discarded firearm and shot Giles once. The bullet went through Giles’s abdomen and lodged in his spine. This single gunshot led to Giles losing his spleen and a kidney, and it severed his spine, causing permanent paralysis as a terrible consequence.
Upcoming Sentence
Given the seriousness of the crime, Jessica Griffith’s sentencing, scheduled for June 27, 2024, could lead to a decade behind bars. Griffith could serve up to 10 years in prison with or without hard labor along with a hefty fine of up to $5,000, underlining the gravity of the crime committed.
Rendering Justice
Criminal cases like these highlight the importance of delivering justice promptly and effectively. The severe consequences of a single gunshot – losing body organs and getting paralyzed – emphasize the weight of firearm-related crimes. It serves as a stern reminder that the misuse of firearms can have devastating effects on the lives of people involved.
Remembering the Victim
James Cole Giles, the victim, has suffered significant physical damage due to an altercation that escalated into a severe gun crime. The harrowing effects of this event have permanently changed his life, and the case serves as a grim reminder of the heavy costs such instances impose on individuals and their families.
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
