On March 25, 2023, a tragic incident occurred near Kirbyville, Texas, resulting in the death of 21-year-old Chase Butler. The shooting took place at approximately 10:30 PM on County Road 420, just outside the Kirbyville city limits. Butler was attending a party at the Buster Parker residence when the incident unfolded.
According to reports, 25-year-old Jadarian Ra'Joan Lee of Kirbyville arrived uninvited at the party. An altercation ensued between Lee and another individual named Vic Gilbert. During this confrontation, Lee allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired a single shot, which struck Butler in the head.
Following the shooting, Lee fled the scene in what was described as a possible gold-colored sedan. Emergency services were called, and Butler was rushed to CHRISTUS Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. Despite medical efforts, Butler succumbed to his injuries the following day, March 26, 2023, at approximately 4 PM, with his family by his side.
The Jasper County Sheriff's Office quickly identified Lee as a suspect in the shooting. On March 26, 2023, Lee was taken into custody on unrelated charges. Initially, he was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (2nd Degree Felony), Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon (3rd Degree Felony), and Possession of Marijuana 2-4 ounces (Class A Misdemeanor).
In June 2023, a Jasper County Grand Jury indicted Lee on a murder charge. However, prosecutors later reduced the charge to manslaughter. Lee's trial began on June 24, 2024, in the Jasper County Courthouse, presided over by State District Judge Craig Mixson.
During the trial, Assistant District Attorney Jennie Hyatt presented evidence that when Lee was apprehended the day after the shooting, he was wearing the same clothes as at the crime scene. Deputies also found bullets matching the casing discovered at the scene and the gun used in Butler's death.
Lee's defense attorney, Stephen Shires of Center, argued that his client felt threatened by Gilbert and pulled the gun in self-defense, firing with no intention of shooting anyone. Shires described the incident as a "fluke accident".
On June 26, 2024, the second day of the trial, Lee abruptly changed his plea to guilty. Judge Mixson sentenced Lee to 16 years in prison for manslaughter and an additional 4 years for the charge of Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, to which Lee had pleaded guilty prior to the trial's start. The sentences are to run consecutively, resulting in a total of 20 years in state prison.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and the importance of conflict resolution without resorting to deadly force. The loss of Chase Butler at such a young age has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and the Kirbyville community.
