Lake Charles man found guilty of fatally shooting homeless man from car window

Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - After deliberating more than four hours, a jury in Calcasieu court has found a Lake Charles man guilty of second-degree murder.

It’s been nearly two years since Ezekiel Joubert, a homeless man, was shot to death near Albert and Elder streets in Lake Charles. Now Steven Rigmaiden, the man accused of firing those fatal shots, is convicted.

Chief litigator for the Calcasieu DA’s Office, Bobby Holmes, said it’s justice the family has been waiting for.

“I’m happy for the Joubert family, I know it’s been two years coming and so I’m glad they get some closure on this matter so the family can move forward. They’re known in the community and for them, this hit them hard. He’s the youngest brother of the men. This was tough on them,” said Holmes.

In closing arguments, the defense had argued that all the state proved was that there was a red 2007 Montecarlo that drove all around the neighborhood that fateful day.

Holmes said the jury realized the truth thanks to lots of surveillance footage.

“Ultimately saw him at 8:18 passing by McMillan Park on surveillance footage, and the homicide happened shortly before 8:22 three blocks away. We were able to see that Montecarlo that he had returned to the driver’s side of the Dollar General, passing by Pryce Miller Recreation Center at 8:22 at night after the shooting which led everyone to believe not only was he the driver, but the shooter, because there was gunshot residue on the driver’s side door,” said Holmes.

A resident discovered a pistol and later turned it in to police. It turned out to be the murder weapon.

It has never been revealed what may have led to the fatal shooting.

Rigmaiden did express sympathy to the Joubert family.

Rigmaiden’s defense attorney said his client did not wish him to comment. He will be back in court on June 14, when he’ll receive an automatic life sentence.

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