Jurors deliberated less than 30 minutes on Friday before sentencing an ex-con to life in prison for fatally shooting his neighbor during a gun battle outside their homes.
Earlier in the day, the jury convicted Jeremy BJ Miller of murder in the death of Ernest Davis.
The panel also convicted him of being a felon in possession of a firearm — a crime for which he received the maximum 20 years in prison.
The sentences will run concurrently.
During the trial in state district Judge Ruben Gonzalez’s court, prosecutors Lloyd Whelchel and Anna Summersett presented evidence that Miller and his brother lived across the street from Davis and his family.
On Nov. 8, 2010, Moore’s brother got into an argument with Davis. The argument escalated into a physical fight in the street between their houses. After Davis won the fight, Miller’s brother went to a car parked nearby and got a gun.
Davis went inside his house and also got a gun.
Meanwhile, Miller — who was outside when the altercation occurred between Davis and his brother occurred —also retrieved a gun. A shootout ensued and
dozens of shots were exchanged between the trio.
One of the bullets, fired by Miller’s firearm, struck Davis in the chest. He died later at an area hospital.
During the punishment phase of the trial, jurors heard that Miller was a drug dealer who had three previous felony convictions for drug distribution and possession.
He had been released from prison shortly before Davis’ murder.
Miller’s brother has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is scheduled to go on trial next week in Judge Gonzalez’s court.
