Michael G. Fountain, 56, of Vinton, was shot and killed during a confrontation at a residence on Highway 109 South in March 2017. Deputies from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office found Fountain deceased in the driveway with multiple gunshot wounds to his neck, trunk, and right leg after responding to a reported shooting.

Investigators identified 70-year-old Frin W. Coward as the shooter. A woman who knew both men was at the residence and escaped unharmed, flagging down a passing motorist. Coward admitted to detectives that he had fired several shots during the argument. He was arrested and charged with second-degree murder; his bond was set at $1.5 million.

A jury convicted Coward of second-degree murder in February 2018 after hearing his claim of self-defense and the prosecution’s evidence about prior threats against Fountain. The jury rejected self-defense and imposed life without parole. Anyone who knew Michael Fountain or has information about the events that led to this shooting is asked to come forward.