San Diego, California – A man convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting death of a security guard outside an East Village homeless shelter was sentenced to 113 years to life in state prison on Friday. Floyd Garrett, 51, was found guilty of killing 44-year-old Ernest Lee Buchanan, who served as a guard at the Alpha Project tent shelter on Imperial Avenue.
Another individual involved in the crime, Johnny Lee Hill, was also convicted of second-degree murder and received a sentence of 81 years to life in prison last year. The motive for the killing was not disclosed, although Buchanan’s family members revealed in court hearings that Buchanan had warned one of the men against selling drugs near the shelter.
Prosecutors presented evidence including surveillance footage and smart streetlight cameras that showed the two men waiting for Buchanan to return from a meal break. Subsequently, they both opened fire on him on the street around 7:30 p.m., resulting in Buchanan’s tragic death at a hospital. Another security guard at the Alpha Project was also injured by a bullet, leading to both defendants being convicted of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
During the trial, Hill claimed he fired in self-defense, alleging that Buchanan had brandished a weapon at him. Prosecutors disputed this claim, stating that Buchanan was unarmed and had not initiated any confrontation with the men. Both defendants were apprehended approximately one week after the shooting incident.
This case underscores the dangers faced by security personnel working at homeless shelters and highlights the importance of addressing such security concerns. The sentencing of Garrett serves as a form of justice for the loss of Buchanan’s life and the impact it has had on his family and colleagues at the shelter. The tragedy also sheds light on the broader issue of violence in urban settings and the need for enhanced safety measures to protect vulnerable populations.