In the late hours of a Thursday in Opelousas, Louisiana, the life of 28-year-old Mark Joubert was tragically cut short. On May 18, 2017, just before midnight, Joubert was shot at the Opelousas Housing Authority public housing complex on Lemoine Street. When police officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Joubert on the ground, suffering from a gunshot wound.
Despite the efforts of first responders, he succumbed to his injuries.
The events leading to the fatal encounter began when 19-year-old Jaquan Frank and his girlfriend heard a noise outside their residence. Upon looking out, they reportedly saw an unknown individual on their porch taking some items. In response, Frank armed himself and went outside, which led to the deadly confrontation with Joubert. Frank was arrested by police shortly after they arrived at the scene.
Following the investigation into the shooting, Jaquan Frank was charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm in a gun-free zone. The case was subsequently presented to a grand jury in St. Landry Parish, which handed down an indictment against Frank for second-degree murder. A conviction for this charge in Louisiana carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. The neighborhood had reportedly been experiencing a series of violent incidents, causing concern among residents about their safety.
