On a February evening in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a young man’s life was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence. Eighteen-year-old Marvin Thomas, a native of St. Gabriel, was fatally shot on February 7, 2014. At the time of his death, Marvin was working as a cashier and had recently started classes in process technology. He was known by his loved ones as a loving, kind, and happy person who enjoyed playing dominoes, listening to music, and cooking.
The events that led to
Marvin's death began outside a grocery store on 15th Street and Terrace Avenue. After being dropped off by his father, Marvin went into the store. As he exited, he was confronted by Harold Retana, who, without any prior exchange of words, punched him. A fistfight ensued, and as the two struggled, a third individual, Corey Scott, who was a friend of Retana's, pulled out a handgun. Scott fired multiple shots at Marvin, striking him several times and ending his life.
In the aftermath of the shooting, both Corey Scott and Harold Retana were apprehended by law enforcement. Scott, who was 18 at the time, was indicted by an East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury and charged with second-degree murder. Retana, then 19, faced charges of attempted simple robbery, simple battery, and inciting a felony.
Corey Scott was subsequently tried for the murder of Marvin Thomas. During the trial, Harold Retana testified about the altercation. Scott was ultimately found guilty of second-degree murder. The conviction carried a mandatory sentence of life in prison at hard labor, without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. The court affirmed the conviction and sentence, ensuring that the man responsible for Marvin Thomas's untimely death would be held accountable for his actions.
