Life Sentence Handed Down in 2021 Homeless Man Shooting Case

LAKE CHARLES, La. – A man from Lake Charles, Louisiana has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2021 fatal shooting of a homeless man. Steven D. Rigmaiden was found guilty of second-degree murder last summer for the killing of Ezekiel Joubert on June 19, 2021, near Albert and Elder streets. Joubert’s body was discovered in the middle of the road.

Following the shooting, Rigmaiden was apprehended by Lake Charles Police SWAT members after video surveillance showed him driving a red 2007 Montecarlo a few blocks from the crime scene just minutes after the incident occurred. On Friday, Judge Michael Canaday handed down the life sentence to Rigmaiden.

The sentencing brings closure to the case that rocked the Lake Charles community in 2021. The violent death of Joubert, a homeless man, sparked outrage and concern among residents, prompting a swift and thorough investigation by local law enforcement. The sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of such deadly acts and aims to bring justice to the victim and his family.

The decision to sentence Rigmaiden to life in prison sends a strong message about the severity of the crime and the commitment of the criminal justice system to hold perpetrators accountable. It also reflects the value of human life and the obligation to uphold the laws that protect all members of the community. The ruling provides some measure of closure for the victim’s loved ones while underscoring the serious repercussions of violent actions in society.

The case underscores the importance of diligence and cooperation among law enforcement agencies in solving crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice. It also highlights the impact of such incidents on the local community and the measures taken to address and prevent further violence. The sentencing of Rigmaiden represents a step towards closure and justice in the aftermath of a tragic event that deeply affected the Lake Charles area.

In summary, a man from Lake Charles, Louisiana has been sentenced to life in prison for the fatal shooting of a homeless man in 2021. Steven D. Rigmaiden was found guilty of the crime and received the life sentence from Judge Michael Canaday. The ruling serves as a reminder of the consequences of such violent acts and sends a strong message about the commitment to justice in the local community.