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Port Arthur man sentenced to 25 years for murder

Holloway previously pleaded guilty to a burglary and robbery in 2017 and got probation after committing the murder, but police had not yet connected him to the case.

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas — A Port Arthur man is awaiting transfer to a Texas prison after pleading guilty to murder in a case that involves using two women to lure his victim to an apartment where he was executed.

James Earl Holloway wore a maroon jail jumpsuit as he appeared Monday before Criminal District Court Judge John Stevens.  

He admitted to killing Kevon Jeffrey Washington at the Lake View Palms Apartments in the 5200 block of Gulfway Drive in Port Arthur.  

He also pleaded guilty to violating his probation on a 2017 robbery and a non-related 2017 burglary.

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by 12News, Holloway teamed up with the women on March 4, 2018. One of the women asked Washington to go with her behind the complex, luring him with the promise of sex. Once there, Holloway shot Washington, the affidavit said. Then Washington tried to run, but Holloway continued to fire shots into his body. Holloway stood over Washington and continued to fire, the affidavit said.

READ MORE | Here is Holloway's indictment in the murder case

The prosecutor noted that Holloway murdered his victim while awaiting trial for the burglary and the robbery. He said that Holloway would not have been given probation for either crime if they knew he had murdered someone, but he was not charged with murder until after he received probation.

Holloway signed away his right to appeal any of the charges against him as part of the plea deal.

The judge asked Holloway if he had anything to say before being sentenced. Holloway said no.

The judge asked, “How about I’m sorry?”

Holloway said something in a low voice that was not intelligible to those in the courtroom. Holloway could have received from five to 99 years if found guilty by trail.

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