The man charged in the shooting death of 62-year-old Charles Declouet pleaded guilty to murder on May 28 in Orange County’s 128th District Court.
James Emil Williams Jr., 25, was sentenced to 45 years in prison in connection with the killing.
According to the Orange Police Department, officers were called to a home on 6th Street on May 26, 2025, in response to a reported shooting. When officers arrived, they found Declouet in the living room suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
Investigators determined the shooting was likely a drive-by attack.
Detectives used surveillance video to identify the vehicle believed to be involved, leading them to Williams and another individual whose name has not been released publicly. Both suspects were later indicted and arrested.
Assistant District Attorneys Katey McCall and Bard Anderson prosecuted the case on behalf of the state, with assistance from victim assistance coordinator Rebecca Smith.
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