by | Published
Ladie Gene Lee II has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of Shelton Fersner III, with the sentence handed down this week by Judge Jennifer Pena of the 290th District Court.
Shelton Fersner III, a 48-year-old San Antonio barber, was found dead in the parking lot of the Vista Del Rey apartments on the morning of February 21, 2022, from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Witnesses reported hearing a gunshot around 3:00 AM, and a small black holster and a single shell casing were found near the body, though no weapon was recovered at the time.
Months after the murder, Lee turned himself in to the Leon Valley Police Department. While initially denying involvement, he later confessed to shooting Fersner. Lee, who stated he was an Uber driver often taking calls at the apartment complex, told police he heard an argument between Fersner and another man. Prosecutors allege that in the process of attempting to break up the fight, Lee pulled out a gun and shot Fersner in the chest before driving off and throwing the gun into a parking lot.
The prosecution team included Assistant District Attorneys Ryan Groomer and Ross Lewis, with support from Victim Advocate Amanda Vasquez and Investigator Jose Nino.
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales commented on the sentencing: "The Court's decision stresses the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, which is crucial in the sentencing process. Although nothing can replace the life lost, it shines a light on our commitment to uphold the sanctity of life and confront violence."
