BEAUMONT — Algerreau Marquel McQueen, now 20, has pled guilty to murder for a fatal shooting that occurred when he was 17 in north Beaumont. On Monday morning, McQueen accepted a plea deal that caps his sentence at 30 years in prison, the maximum allowed under the agreement.
Judge John Stevens handed down the sentence in his courtroom, noting that McQueen would receive credit for time served. “Good luck to you, sir, and I hope you live better,” the judge told McQueen.
The case began on May 28, 2022, when Beaumont Police responded to a shooting report near Steelton and Fillmore. They found 34-year-old Willie Edwards suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Edwards was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
Investigators learned that a dispute had erupted between several people prior to the shooting. McQueen and another suspect were arrested and charged with murder; the other suspect’s charges were later dropped.
During sentencing, defense attorney Tom Kelley highlighted McQueen’s troubled past, including the loss of his father at age nine, while acknowledging it was not an excuse for his actions.
Prosecutor Mike Laird requested the full 30-year sentence, citing McQueen’s numerous jail incidents demonstrating a lack of respect for rules and others.
Judge Stevens detailed McQueen’s extensive disciplinary record in jail, with over 30 pages of write-ups since his incarceration in May 2022. The judge also mentioned McQueen’s history of heavy marijuana use and inconsistencies in his statements to investigators.
“You’ve handled this irresponsibly,” the judge said. “It shows such a lack of remorse. You don’t want to do the right thing.”
The judge emphasized the gravity of taking a life at such a young age and noted McQueen showed no real remorse during the proceedings.
“You were 17, and you took a life. You’ll carry that forever,” Stevens said. “There’s no sign of regret.”
Ultimately, McQueen must serve his sentence and face the consequences of his actions.
