A Gulfport man has been sentenced for the 2023 stabbing that killed Damien Lindsey, 44.
Octavius Louis Lejuan Benton, Sr., 51, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
A judge sentenced him to 30 years in prison with the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Surveillance footage captured Lindsey and Benton’s girlfriend outside Feed My Sheep in Gulfport. According to authorities, Lindsey struck the woman, causing Benton to stab her in the abdomen.
Lindsey died at a nearby hospital after surgery.
“The emotions could be felt from both Lindsey’s family and Benton’s family during the plea hearing,” said Assistant District Attorney Haley Broom, who prosecuted the case.
Lindsey’s family members offered forgiveness, with one encouraging Benton to “take heed and read your Bible. ” I do not know you, but I will continue to love you.”
“This case represents another heartbreaking and entirely avoidable loss of life, the result of emotion overwhelming reason,” said District Attorney W. Crosby Parker.
“Everyone in that courtroom wishes they could turn back time and change what happened, but that’s the harsh reality of making permanent decisions based on fleeting emotions, all that remains is the responsibility to face the consequences,’ said DA Parker.
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