A Houston man has been sentenced to 60 years in prison after pleading guilty to the intentional killing of two men from Louisiana. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced the sentencing, condemning the “extreme gun violence” that occurred and emphasizing that disputes should not be resolved with firearms, especially on a crowded freeway.
The guilty man, Jonathan Aleman, admitted to the murders of Bradley Barker and Binel Gasery Jr. on August 8, 2019. Both victims were from Gray, Louisiana, a rural town near New Orleans. Aleman revealed that he tracked down the two men during rush hour traffic on the East Freeway near Federal Avenue in a dark sedan with tinted windows.
Aleman intentionally collided with the Nissan Sentra in which Barker and Gasery were traveling. As both cars came to a stop in the middle lanes, Aleman exited his vehicle and began firing his weapon at the victims. Witnesses reported that Aleman was using what appeared to be an assault rifle, but he claimed to have used a Glock pistol modified with a stock, a long barrel, and an extended clip. Aleman continued to shoot at the Sentra as the victims attempted to escape by reversing on the freeway. Tragically, both men in the Sentra lost their lives.
Fortunately, a brave individual in traffic intervened and fired shots at Aleman, forcing him to return to his car and flee the scene. Investigators from the Houston Police Department utilized cellphone data and surveillance footage to identify and apprehend Aleman. Another man was initially taken into custody in relation to the double murder, but further investigation cleared him of any involvement.
Assistant District Attorney Karen Barney, a chief in the DA’s Homicide Division, prosecuted the case alongside ADA Michael Abner, a chief in the DA’s Intake Division. Barney highlighted the fear and panic that ensued on the East Freeway that day, with many believing it was a mass shooting incident. She expressed gratitude towards the courageous individual who compelled the gunman to retreat and leave the highway.
Initially facing a potential life sentence without parole if convicted of capital murder, Aleman instead pleaded guilty to murder. As part of the plea agreement, he will serve 60 years in prison. Aleman does not have the ability to appeal his conviction or sentence and must serve at least half of his prison term before becoming eligible for parole.
This tragic case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and the importance of finding peaceful methods to resolve conflicts. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office is dedicated to holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
