Walker man found guilty of murder after fight at stepdaughter’s house

LaFAYETTE — A Walker County man who shot at three men leaving a fight at his stepdaughter’s house was convicted of felony murder by a Walker County jury.

Michael James Gobert also was found guilty of aggravated assault and multiple other counts related to the Oct. 19, 2015, confrontation on Straight Gut Road in Rock Springs.

According to District Attorney Herbert “Buzz” Franklin:

Johnny Montgomery died after Gobert fired a Glock 22 into a car driving off from the home of Nicole Carroll, his stepdaughter.

Carroll’s trailer was immediately behind the Gobert residence, and Gobert had grabbed the gun and gone outside when he heard angry voices. His wife, Mary Ann, came out with her own gun shortly after.

As the men were getting into a car, Gobert yelled at them to leave and fired a warning shot. One of the men yelled back that he was weak and wouldn’t shoot them.

Gobert claimed he viewed the car’s movement as an aggressive maneuver so he began to fire in rapid succession, standing along the only exit path.

One of the 15 shots struck Montgomery, the driver, in the head and the car crashed into an outbuilding. Another shot struck Edrius Putnam in the leg. Putnam jumped out and hid behind the outbuilding. Deisman Harrison was not struck by any of the bullets, but Gobert made him get on his knees and beg for his life.

Meanwhile, Mary Ann Gobert went to her daughter’s residence. She found Carroll had been in a fight with Putnam and had a cut on her chin from when he had thrown a dehumidifier at her as he left the trailer.

She — and several of the neighbors — called 911. Walker County Sheriff’s Office Sgt Kevin Denny found the Goberts still holding Harrison on the ground at gunpoint. When he told them to drop their weapons, they complied.

Montgomery died shortly after from his gunshot wound.

Putnam was charged with simple battery. His case is still pending.

Gobert is being held in the Walker County Jail for a sentencing hearing.