BENTON, La. – A Wisconsin man indicted in 2024 in the shooting death of a Bossier City man pleaded guilty Wednesday to a reduced charge.
Roman Fudge, 32, of Milwaukee, pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder in the Feb. 11, 2024 death of Frankie Gatlin.
Fudge and his co-defendant, Shandrea Francis, 25, also of Milwaukee, were arrested in March 2024 then indicted two months later for second-degree murder in Gatlin’s death.
Fudge entered his guilty plea before Bossier District Judge Douglas Stinson, who then sentenced him to 20 years in prison. Fudge was scheduled for trial next week.
Gatlin was found dead inside his home from a gunshot wound to his left eye.
Fudge and Francis were arrested in Indiana then returned to Bossier Parish.
In a letter written to the court in 2024, Francis said she was related to Gatlin. She denied involvement in his death and instead blamed Fudge. Both were in Monroe visiting Family when Fudge allegedly learned Gatlin had some money. Fudge said he was going to “run a play” for it, according to Francis' letter.
Francis pleaded guilty in September 2024 to obstruction of justice. Her plea agreement required her to testify against Fudge at his trial.
The agreement also sets a sentencing cap of 10 years, but she’s not yet been sentenced. She is scheduled to be in court again on Monday.