HOUSTON – The trial for a man accused of killing a well-known pastor in southeast Houston during an apparent road rage incident is set to conclude this week as closing arguments begin.
Nearly three years have passed since the tragic shooting of Ronald Mouton.
East Bethel Baptist Church was his home, where Mouton served as pastor for over 30 years until tragedy struck in June 2022.
Investigators say Mouton was shot and killed on a feeder road off Gulf Freeway in southeast Houston; signs indicated that it was a case of road rage.
The trial for his accused killer, 23-year-old Uber driver Deshawn Longmire, started last Friday.
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The church holds significant meaning for the memory of Mouton’s twin brother, Roland.
“Most of what you see here is basically his work,” he explained. “He really put in a lot of effort here. He really helped a lot of people.”
A part of Pastor Mouton will remain in the church forever, with a plaque bearing his name and a Bible verse etched on the pulpit.
“In loving memory of Reverend Dr. Ronald K. Mouton Sr., I let nothing separate me from the love of God. Romans chapter eight and verse 39,” Roland said.
When asked if he believed his late brother would have forgiven his killer, Roland responded, “I think he would. I’ll say it like this: you can’t preach a message that you can’t practice. I think that’s what we carry about what we do.”
If convicted, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.