Rev. Ronald Keith Mouton, a 58-year-old African American pastor of East Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, was fatally shot on June 24, 2022. The incident occurred following a brief road rage argument with another driver on the Gulf Freeway. Surveillance footage revealed that the argument lasted only about 10 seconds before the driver of a black Honda Accord shot Rev.
Mouton in the chest, causing him to crash his vehicle.
The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Deshawn Longmire, an Uber driver, was arrested and charged with murder. Longmire allegedly shot Rev. Mouton from his vehicle and then fled the scene. Witnesses reported seeing Longmire with a pistol during the altercation. Longmire was later taken into custody and held on a $500,000 bond.
The Mouton family, along with faith leaders and community members, called for justice and urged the suspect to come forward. A reward for information leading to the arrest of the shooter was increased from $5,000 to $25,000. The case has drawn significant attention, and the trial has been delayed multiple times, with the latest expected start date in April 2025.
Rev. Mouton's death has left a profound impact on his family, including his wife, four children, and 10 grandchildren. The community continues to seek justice for the beloved pastor, whose life was dedicated to serving others.
