Self-defense robbery shooter charged with murder

Published 7:57 pm Thursday, December 28, 2023

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LaGrange Police have arrested a second suspect in the alleged robbery gone wrong that ended up killing Jonathan Daniel.

Initially reported as self-defense during a robbery, police have now additionally charged Jesse Houston, 21, with murder for the Dec. 21 shooting.

The LaGrange Police Department began investigating the incident after responding to the 100 block of Garfield Street around 7:04 p.m. in reference to a person who had been shot. Officers arrived and determined Daniel had suffered a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased.

Police say further investigation revealed that Antonio Stephens, 22, and Daniel had conspired to rob Houston at gunpoint. During the incident, Houston fired his own gun at Daniel and shot him in self-defense.

Stephens was later arrested and charged with felony murder due to his alleged participation in the attempted armed robbery.

On Dec. 28, Houston was also arrested and charged with felony murder due to the incident’s connection to an alleged attempted criminal drug sale.

Houston was also charged with criminal attempt sale of marijuana and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

This incident is still under active investigation. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the LaGrange Police Department at (706) 883-2603 or Detective Prichard at (706) 883-2628.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Troup County Crime Stoppers at (706) 812-1000 and callers may be eligible for a cash reward.