Trial begins for man accused of killing Houston pastor in road rage shooting

Beloved community leader Ronald Mouton was shot and killed in 2022; family seeks long-awaited justice as trial begins.
Deshawn Longmire
 Resource by Christian Post / Original images by Facebook/EBMBC; mugshot

After nearly three years of waiting, the family of Pastor Ronald K. Mouton may finally see the justice they’ve long been hoping for. This week, the man accused of shooting and killing the beloved Houston church leader during a road rage incident in 2022 is facing trial.

According to Christian Post, Deshawn Longmire, now 25, was behind the wheel working as an Uber driver when the confrontation occurred. Prosecutors say the incident happened on June 24, 2022, along the Gulf Freeway in southeast Houston. Mouton and Longmire were stopped at a red light when a brief exchange escalated. Moments later, as the light turned green, Longmire allegedly fired a gun from his vehicle, fatally striking Mouton in the chest.

Mouton, who had led East Bethel Missionary Baptist Church for over 30 years, was pronounced dead at the scene. His death sent shockwaves through the community, where he was known not just as a preacher, but as a mentor, counselor, and community advocate.

Since his arrest, Longmire has been released on bond, a decision that has frustrated the Mouton family and supporters. The trial, originally slated for 2024, faced delays due to scheduling conflicts with the defense, further adding to their grief.

“We kept showing up to court and watching it get pushed back again and again,” said Mouton’s twin brother, Roland. “But we’re not going away. We want to see this through.”

The courtroom is now set for a full hearing, with jury selection already underway and opening arguments expected soon. The case is drawing public attention not only because of who the victim was, but also because of what the incident represents—a tragic example of how quickly a routine moment on the road can turn deadly.

As the trial unfolds, many in the Houston faith community are watching closely, praying that justice will be done and that Pastor Mouton’s legacy will not be overshadowed by violence, but honored through truth and accountability.