Man Sentenced to Life in Louisiana for Death of Insurance Agent

Calling the crime a “despicable act,” a Louisiana judge has sentenced a 22-year-old man to life in prison in the killing of a Georgia insurance agent during an armed robbery at the Waffle House.

The Advocate reports state District Judge Lou Daniel said Antonius Jones’ actions on May 3, 2010, have “left a mark on this community.”

“Now they (the family of David DeMersseman, 54) will think of nothing but heartache when they think of Baton Rouge,” Daniel said moments before sentencing Jones to life in prison on his second-degree murder conviction and 60 years on his armed robbery conviction.

The judge ordered the terms to run concurrently. Jones was found guilty May 26. He plans to appeal.

DeMersseman, of Valdosta, Ga., was passing through Baton Rouge on May 3, 2010, and was the only customer in the Waffle House when he was shot to death at 1:22 a.m.

Daniel, who on Monday also denied Jones’ requests for a new trial and post-trial judgment of acquittal, described DeMersseman as “a person who was minding his own business” when Jones entered the business and shot him during an armed robbery.

“You have never accepted responsibility for these offenses,” the judge said.

The fatal shooting and armed robbery were captured by the restaurant’s security cameras and played for the East Baton Rouge Parish jury during the trial.

Daniel noted that Jones has two prior drug convictions, is the oldest of 11 children, has one child with a girlfriend and a second child with another woman, and had substance abuse problems at an early age.

Prosecutors contend Larry James Jr., of St. Francisville, and Ikey Lane Washington, of Baton Rouge, were with Jones in a car shortly before Jones entered the Waffle House.

Sterling and Washington, both 29, are awaiting trial on armed-robbery charges.

Information from: The Advocate