DOTHAN, Ala. — A Dothan man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of shooting and killing his wife’s alleged lover in a domestic dispute that escalated violently.
Brent Guilford, 38, was sentenced Wednesday by Circuit Judge Henry Binford after a jury found him guilty of murder in March. Guilford was convicted for the fatal shooting of Lashawn Poke in November 2022, a tragic event that unfolded after Guilford discovered his wife and Poke together in a home.
Court records reveal that, on the day of the incident, Guilford confronted Poke and his wife in the residence, leading to a violent altercation. During the confrontation, Guilford shot Poke, resulting in the victim’s death. Police responded to the scene and arrested Guilford shortly after the incident.
At the time of the shooting, Poke, 42, was serving time in Houston County’s Community Corrections program, which allows incarcerated individuals to work outside of jail while serving their sentences. He had been granted a short leave for the holidays. Poke had been incarcerated for promoting prison contraband.
The case took a more complicated turn as it was revealed that, just before the shooting, Guilford’s wife had filed a protection from abuse order against him, signaling an already tumultuous and strained relationship between the couple.
In addition to the life sentence, Judge Binford ordered Guilford to pay $2,000 in court fines, along with a $1,000 payment to the victim’s compensation fund.
The sentence comes as a reminder of the emotional and legal complexities that can arise in domestic disputes. While the court has now delivered its verdict, the personal and societal ramifications of the tragedy will likely be felt for years to come.
