In the summer of 2022, the life of 29-year-old Mario Walker, an African American male, was cut short in a fatal encounter in Plaquemine, Louisiana. On the evening of Tuesday, July 26th, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Walker was walking along the sidewalk at the intersection of W.W. Harleaux and Calvin streets. His path was abruptly blocked by a black Mercedes from which three individuals emerged.
An altercation ensued, and Walker was struck on the side of his head with a pistol by one of the men, 28-year-old Jontrell Wilson.
Though he initially fell, Walker managed to get back on his feet and attempted to flee. It was then that another of the assailants, 30-year-old Jaymetrice Provo, allegedly fired a single, fatal shot that struck Walker in the back of the head. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital for medical attention but succumbed to his injuries the following day, on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. The third individual, 26-year-old Jaylon Smith, is said to have been the driver of the getaway vehicle.
The three suspects, all residents of Plaquemine, fled the state after the shooting. Their flight from justice was short-lived, however, as they were apprehended later that night in Alabama. An Alabama State Trooper initiated a traffic stop on their vehicle due to the absence of a license plate. Upon investigation, the trooper discovered that the occupants were wanted in connection with the homicide in Louisiana. The trio was arrested and held in Alabama, awaiting extradition back to their home state to face charges.
Upon their return to Plaquemine, the three men faced a series of charges for their alleged roles in the death of Mario Walker. Jaymetrice Provo, the alleged shooter, was charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Jontrell Wilson was charged with principals to second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The driver, Jaylon Smith, faced charges of being an accessory after the fact to second-degree murder.
