DOTHAN, Ala. – Brent Guilford, a Dothan resident, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of murdering a work-release inmate. The crime, which authorities described as stemming from a love triangle, took place in 2022.
On Wednesday, Houston County Circuit Judge Henry D. “Butch” Binford issued the life sentence. The prosecution, led by District Attorney Russ Goodman and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Stanley, sought a severe punishment for the 43-year-old defendant, emphasizing the brutal nature of his actions.
Guilford was convicted last month of fatally shooting 41-year-old Lashawn Poke, who was on furlough from the Houston County Community Corrections program at the time of the incident. Poke had been serving a sentence while working at a regular job, with his sentence nearing completion.
The shooting occurred when Guilford arrived at the home where his wife was spending time with Poke, leading to a deadly confrontation. Guilford’s actions were reportedly driven by jealousy, culminating in the fatal shooting.
This case underscores the complexities surrounding work-release programs and the impact of domestic conflicts on public safety.
