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A Port Arthur man was sentenced to 76 years in prison following a guilty conviction in the 2022 shooting death of another man outside McDonald’s in Groves.

Darryl Prevost, 21, was found guilty Thursday night and sentenced Friday afternoon in Criminal District Judge John Stevens’ court.

Prevost contended he committed the crime under the immediate influence of passion arriving from an adequate cause. Stevens explained this is called the doctrine of sudden passion.

Had the jury agreed with this, then the crime would have been reduced to a second degree felony with a lesser penalty.

Attorney Joel Vasquez represented Prevost and the prosecutor was Daniel Boyd.

According to previous reporting, Groves Police Department officers were dispatched to McDonald’s on Twin City Highway in reference to a shooting in the parking lot on April 14, 2022.

They found a 2017 Chevrolet Impala with damage consistent with gunfire and located a man, later identified as Alfonzo Solomon, 19, outside the restaurant.

Life-saving efforts were made, and the victim was taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital, where he died.

Two men were named as suspects, Darryl Prevost and Darionte Everfield. They were indicted in May 2022.

During the trial on Tuesday, a police officer’s camera footage was shown to the jury while the family of the victim was inside the court.

One of the family members jumped up, and a tussle with bailiffs ensued. The man was arrested for contempt.

Prevost was quickly removed from court as order was restored.

Stevens addressed the jury, saying the sight of Solomon deceased at the scene was obviously a surprise to the family members and unfortunately this is not unusual in cases where there are shootings.

“I wish things were different, but it’s reality,” Stevens said, adding they are called upon to do this job.

Following the guilty verdict came what is called victim allocution, where close relatives can come forward and make a statement on the crime and how it has impacted them.

Solomon’s grandmother said even today, 20 months later, she struggles with the death of her grandson and she is fortunate to have many memories to cherish.

She said she’s honored he called her maw maw.

Another family member read a letter from a cousin who is an active duty military stationed in another state.

The cousin said Solomon was a loving soul and had a smile that would make you smile even on your worst day.

In addition, Solomon’s family and Petry’s family have connections from relatives to attending the same church and more.

Judge Stevens said Prevost has the right to appeal.