Murder Suspect Facing Trial, Again

LONGVIEW — Saturday marked two years since local firefighters battling a Longview house fire discovered the body of Kelvin Muckleroy, who was shot to death. This week, defendant Toronto Eldermek Lockridge again faces a Gregg County jury.

Jury selection began at 9:00 this morning in 124th District Court for Lockridge, who faces a possible life sentence. He is charged with killing Muckleroy on September 24, 2009, then setting fire to Muckleroy’s home in the 1200 block of Chappell Street. Almost seven months ago, Judge Alfonso Charles was forced to declare a mistrial because of a jury deadlock.

Horne remains in the Gregg County Jail awaiting sentencing. Neither his attorney, Kevin Settle, nor prosecutors have said whether they are awaiting a verdict from Lockridge’s trial before sentencing Horne. Neither prosecutor nor attorney Hayward Rigano have announced any new evidence in the Lockridge case. Rigano was appointed Lockridge’s attorney in May because the defendant could no longer afford to pay for counsel. Lockridge remains in the Gregg County Jail on $285,000 bond, charged with murder, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, after authorities said he threatened a witness in the Muckleroy case. Opening statements are expected to begin at 9:00 tomorrow morning.