SHREVEPORT, La. — A Caddo Parish judge has sentenced 25-year-old SirElderick Deon Hays to 130 years in prison for the 2021 killing of Xavier Griffin, who was fatally shot during a robbery involving a newly purchased rifle.
The sentencing took place Wednesday, April 16, 2025, with Judge Chris Victory ordering Hays to serve the prison terms consecutively—40 years for manslaughter, 75 years for armed robbery, and 15 years for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence includes no chance of parole, pardon, or sentence reduction. Hays was also fined $5,000 on the weapons conviction.
The shooting occurred on March 31, 2021, near the Lakeside Garden Apartments in Shreveport. Griffin was showing off his new rifle to friends when Hays approached. After Griffin fired a celebratory shot into the air, Hays asked to hold the weapon. When Griffin declined, Hays forcibly took the rifle, leading to a struggle. Hays then pulled a handgun and shot Griffin in the neck. Griffin died on the scene, and Hays fled with both firearms.
Though witnesses were initially hesitant to speak with law enforcement, some eventually came forward. Police recovered both .223 and .40 caliber shell casings and obtained surveillance footage showing Hays taking the rifle and struggling with Griffin. Crime Stoppers tips and a police lineup helped confirm Hays’ identity. He later denied involvement in the shooting.
Assistant District Attorneys Victoria Washington and Courtney Ray led the prosecution, while Hays was represented by Michael Enright and Katie Miller.
The case was tried under docket number 382230.
This sentencing marks a major development in a violent case that shocked the Lakeside community and highlights the devastating consequences of gun violence in Shreveport.
