Man found guilty of capital murder in double homicide

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Our news partners at KETK report that a man was found guilty on Monday of capital murder in the deaths of two people who were shot after a trail ride in Cherokee County. According to the district attorney’s office, a witness testified that Devon Harris, of Shreveport, La., was driving back to Louisiana from a trail ride in Cherokee County with friends when they began arguing. Harris, also known as “Nooney Bugg,” pulled the car over on Highway 79 North near Rusk County, officials said, before he grabbed a pistol and shot both Ronnie Pearson, 20, and Jakari Hogan, 23.

“Hogan collapsed on the highway and as Harris was trying to move the body to the shoulder a passing motorist stopped to assist. Believing there had been an accident, the motorist told Harris he was calling 911,” officials said. Harris then disposed of the murder weapon, got into the car and fled to Louisiana where officials said he abandoned the vehicle. Officials said the defense claimed Harris acted in self-defense, and the jury deliberated for several hours after five days of testimony before reaching their verdict.