A man from Bacliff, Texas, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after being convicted of murder in connection with a shooting that occurred outside a bar. The incident, which took place on March 17, 2024, during the early hours of the morning, resulted in the death of Vincent Gulley.
The jury’s verdict was delivered after an eight-day trial, and Jerry Aldeson II, the accused, was sentenced for the tragic death of Gulley and an additional count of aggravated assault.
The Incident: A Deadly Argument
The incident began at Ol’ Mothers Speakeasy in Bacliff, where Vincent Gulley was spending time with his wife and friends. After the bar closed, an argument erupted between Gulley and another man in the parking lot.
What began as a verbal dispute quickly turned physical, with both parties engaging in a fistfight. During the altercation, Aldeson, who was nearby, pulled out a firearm from his waistband and began firing at several people, including Gulley.
Gulley was struck twice in the back while still involved in the physical fight. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Gulley later succumbed to his injuries.
Aldeson fled the scene following the shooting, but an investigation by the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office eventually led to his indictment for murder and four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Surveillance Footage and Trial Evidence
The case took a significant turn when the prosecution presented surveillance footage of the shooting. The video captured the entire sequence of events, showing Aldeson, his father, and a friend leaving the bar.
The footage revealed Aldeson’s friend throwing a beer bottle, which shattered in the parking lot, leading to the argument and the subsequent brawl.
Aldeson was seen in the video taking out a firearm, turning around, and shooting at the people nearby. Three individuals were seen falling to the ground, while Aldeson continued to shoot at others as they fled.
Later, the video showed Aldeson shooting another victim while casually walking toward his car, lighting a cigarette, and then driving away.
Several witnesses testified about the shocking events they witnessed and their attempts to help the victims. The investigation revealed that Aldeson also destroyed evidence that could link him to the crime.
Aldeson’s History and Sentencing
During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Aldeson had only recently started community supervision for a felony aggravated robbery charge in Harris County, just one month before the shooting. Despite being prohibited from owning a firearm for ten years due to his criminal history, Aldeson had clearly ignored the law.
Prosecutor Alley stated, “Every shot he fired that night should not have happened. He wasn’t supposed to have a firearm for 10 years. He couldn’t even wait a month, and now a man is dead because of him.”
The jury found Aldeson guilty of murder and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. For the murder conviction, he was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Additionally, he received 20 years for the aggravated assault, with both sentences running concurrently.
The case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from acts of violence, especially when fueled by anger and poor decisions. The jury’s verdict holds Aldeson accountable for the tragic loss of life and emphasizes the importance of respecting the law and resolving conflicts peacefully.
As the legal process concludes, Vincent Gulley’s family continues to cope with the loss of a loved one, and Aldeson will spend the next 35 years in prison for his role in the senseless shooting.
