BEAUMONT, Texas — A 31-year-old man, Mark Wayne Brantley, from Beaumont has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for the 2019 shooting death of 45-year-old Joseph Andrew Frank. The incident took place on July 2, 2019, when Beaumont police discovered Frank’s body in the driveway of a home in the 2400 block of Primose St.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Frank’s girlfriend had contacted his family members to inform them of the shooting. She later revealed to investigators that Brantley had obtained a gun and expressed his intention to shoot Frank. After driving to her mother’s address with Brantley, the girlfriend was forced to exit the vehicle a block away from her mother’s house. Minutes later, she heard gunshots and found Frank lying in the driveway next door. Brantley later confessed to the shooting during a phone call with the girlfriend.
Originally set to go to trial for Frank’s murder, Brantley changed his plea to guilty, resulting in the 35-year prison sentence. The sentencing was carried out by Judge John Stevens as part of a plea deal.
The developments in the case highlight the tragic consequences of gun violence and the impact it has on families and communities across the country. The victim’s girlfriend’s harrowing account of the events leading up to the shooting serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of violent crime in society. This incident also underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and seeking justice for the victims and their loved ones.
This brings some closure to the case, but the devastation caused by the shooting lingers for the victim’s family and friends. They continue to mourn the loss of a loved one and grapple with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. As the community reflects on this tragic event, it serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to address and prevent violent crime.