Who is Gerald Dewayne Washington? Houston man sentenced to life in prison over Crystal Turner and Reginald Larry's murders
HOUSTON, TEXAS: Gerald Dewayne Washington, 30, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison, the Harris County District Attorney's Office announced.
Officials stated that Washington was convicted of murder in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Crystal Turner back in 2017.
Washington was out on bond in that case in 2020, when he was again charged with the murder of 29-year-old Reginald "Duke" Larry.
The murder of Crystal Turner
On October 22, 2017, Washington got into Turner's car with her and her friends to go to an after-hours club.
Authorities say that the convict opened fire almost immediately, killing Turner and injuring her friends. Charges were brought against Washington in 2020.
Both of Turner's friends testified against Washington and said their injuries still affected them.
The murder of Reginald Larry
While awaiting trial in Turner's death, Washington was released on bond.
Authorities allege that he then shot and killed Larry, his second victim.
According to the police report, Washington purchased a few items at a convenience store on Scott Street in south Houston around 4 pm on February 9, 2020.
Later that night, Washington was seen waiting for someone in his car in the parking lot. On surveillance video, he was caught opening the store door for Larry but did not enter, officials say.
Based on the video, authorities claimed that they appeared to be strangers.
Washington allegedly shot Larry in the head after returning to the gas station. Larry died of his injuries several days later.
Harris County District Attorney Kim Oggs stated, "This defendant was involved in two separate fatal shootings, including one where he grievously injured two women out on a ‘girls’ night’ with their friend. In the second shooting, he opened fire at a gas station in broad daylight and could have killed even more people. The consequences for that kind of rampant gun violence has to be a life sentence."
"This defendant already faced a life sentence for murder when he committed his second murder. If the possibility of getting a life sentence didn’t deter him at all, nothing will—he would have continued to commit violent crimes," said Sarah Dimas, an Assistant District Attorney who prosecuted the case for the killing of Larry.