HOUSTON – The trial of the man accused of killing a well-known pastor in southeast Houston during an apparent road rage incident is set to begin this week, with pre-trial proceedings starting tomorrow.
Nearly three years have passed since the tragic shooting.
KPRC 2’s Jaewon Jung spoke with the pastor’s twin brother, who is praying for justice.
On Easter Sunday at East Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, this year’s service carries a deeper significance.
“It’s very symbolic to start a trial coming out of what we label as Holy Week and the resurrection of Jesus,” said Roland Mouton, the pastor’s twin brother.
This church was home to Ronald Mouton, who served as pastor for over 30 years until tragedy struck in June 2022.
Mouton was shot and killed on a feeder road off Gulf Freeway in southeast Houston. Police have indicated that it was a case of road rage.
The trial for his accused killer, 23-year-old Uber driver Deshawn Longmire, is scheduled to begin on Friday.
“It allows us to at least pray for justice,” Roland said.
Roland, who is also a pastor, shared his grief over the loss of his twin brother.
“I have a picture of him hanging over the rearview mirror of my car that says, ‘A piece of my heart has gone to heaven,’ because I do feel like I’ve lost something. I do. And something I can’t get back here,” he said.
The church holds significant meaning for the memory of Roland’s brother.
“Most of what you see here is basically his work. He really put in a lot of effort here. He really helped a lot of people,” he explained.
A part of Pastor Mouton will remain in the church forever, with a plaque bearing his name and a Bible verse etched on the pulpit.
“In loving memory of Reverend Dr. Ronald K. Mouton Sr., I let nothing separate me from the love of God. Romans chapter eight and verse 39,” Roland said.
When asked if he believed his late brother would have forgiven his killer, Roland responded, “I think he would. I’ll say it like this: you can’t preach a message that you can’t practice. I think that’s what we carry about what we do.”
The pre-trial for Longmire begins on Monday. If convicted, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
