LaVonte Marquis Lawler, a 28-year-old Black man, was fatally shot on April 17, 2021, in the parking lot of Garrett’s Landings Apartments at 1321 SW 27th Street in Lawton, Oklahoma.

The investigation identified 37-year-old Lawton resident Frank Alexander Cooper III as a suspect; he was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The case proceeded to trial in January 2023. Testimony at trial was conflicting and Cooper maintained his innocence. A Comanche County jury acquitted him of first-degree murder but convicted him of being a felon in possession of a firearm. With prior convictions including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and aggravated robbery, Cooper received a 30-year prison sentence from a Comanche County District Judge.

What additional information do readers have about LaVonte Lawler, his life, or events surrounding the shooting that could help clarify what happened?