By LeaAnne Klentzman

Fifteen years for two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is what the jury assessed a Houston man for his part in a 2007 drive by shooting.

In what was described as a gang-related drive-by shooting in the Teal Run subdivision, the jury hearing the case of Charles Jefferson, 22, sentenced him to 15 years in prison after they convicted him on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the 434 District Court before the Honorable Judge James H. Shoemake.

According to Assistant District Attorney Alex Foley, the victims were at home in the Teal Run subdivision the evening of October 21, 2007 when Jefferson and five other men opened fire on their home. Although the victims’ home was riddled with bullets, everyone inside escaped without injury.

Fortunately, for the State, a neighbor who was outside when the shooting started was able to identify Jefferson in a photo line-up. According to prosecutors, “The eyewitness testimony was pivotal to the case – providing credibility to the claims by two co-defendants that Jefferson was at the scene.” Jefferson reportedly took the stand during both phases of his trial. He proclaimed his innocence during the guilt/innocence phase of the trail as was well as after his conviction, again proclaiming innocence during the punishment phase of the trial.

Prosecutors introduced evidence during trial that revealed the motive behind the shooting was gang-related. The victim’s stepson, who was not at home during the shooting, was believed to be a member of a rival gang.

“The victim’s husband provided powerful testimony about the effects this crime continues to have on his family,” said Foley. “The citizens of Fort Bend County sent an equally powerful message when they returned their 15 year sentence. Clearly, gang activity will not be tolerated in Fort Bend County.”

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