Las Vegas, Nevada — A Nevada man has been sentenced to prison after admitting he fatally shot his mother’s boyfriend during an argument that began over a slammed door inside the home they shared.
According to court records, 24-year-old Akili Porter pleaded guilty in May to second-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon in connection with the September 2025 shooting death of Jamere Watley.
A judge sentenced Porter on Thursday to 12 to 33 years in prison, making him eligible for parole after serving 12 years.
Argument Over Slamming a Door Escalated Into Deadly Shooting
Investigators said the deadly confrontation unfolded at the Las Vegas home where Porter, his mother and Watley were living.
According to police, the incident began after Porter became upset during an argument and slammed a door while leaving the house.
Security camera footage reportedly captured Watley reacting to the noise before the confrontation escalated.
“You [expletive], you [expletive]! Close that door and get that [unintelligible] out of here,” Watley was heard yelling before the shooting, according to investigators.
Police said Porter then pulled out a handgun, pointed it at Watley, briefly exited the home, returned moments later and shot him multiple times.
Investigators Say Shooting Followed Earlier Dispute
According to investigators, the confrontation came after concerns about Porter’s alleged drinking.
Court documents indicate Porter’s mother and Watley believed he had been struggling with alcohol after recently leaving a rehabilitation program.
Police said that on the morning of September 21, 2025, Porter was found passed out after a night of drinking.
Investigators allege his mother and Watley attempted to take away his truck keys to prevent him from driving while intoxicated, leading Porter to become angry before leaving the house.
Authorities say the later shooting occurred shortly after that disagreement.
Defendant Claimed He Feared for His Life
Following the shooting, Porter told investigators he acted because he feared for his safety.
However, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, investigators concluded that Porter appeared calm during the incident, despite his claim that he feared for his life.
Initially, prosecutors charged Porter with open murder with the use of a deadly weapon.
He later reached a plea agreement, admitting guilt to the lesser charge of second-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon.
Victim’s Family Speaks at Sentencing
During the sentencing hearing, members of Watley’s family addressed the court and described the lasting impact of his death. His sister, Jamillah Douthet, rejected the suggestion that the killing happened in the heat of the moment.
“The defendant knows how good of a man Jamere was,” Watley’s sister, Jamillah Douthet, said.
She also told the court:
“It wasn’t right. It was premeditated. It was calculated. And it was deliberate. And he did not deserve it.”
With the sentence now imposed, Porter will remain in state prison while becoming eligible for parole after serving the minimum portion of his sentence.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you believe the sentence appropriately reflects the circumstances described by investigators and the court? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
