An Alabama man was convicted Friday of murder for shooting another man to death by shooting him 10 times in front of his own children, the prosecutor in the case said.

A Mobile County jury found Samuel Darrington guilty of murder and shooting into an unoccupied vehicle, the Mobile County District Attorneys office reported.

On May 20, 2020, Xavier Sowels-Portlock Jr. was shot to death 10 times by Samuel Darrington.

Evidence was presented in court showed Mr. Sowels-Portlock putting his children into his car to leave Sunset Bayou Apartments when Samuel Darrington walked over to him and delivered the fatal shots.

“The added element of this crime being committed in front of children makes the circumstances around this death even more tragic,” says Mobile County District Attorney, Keith Blackwood. “We are very thankful the jury saw the defendant’s guilt.”

The State was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Michaelyn Gober and Jacqueline Blanchard along with Trial Coordinator Melissa McCracken who prepared and presented the case, ultimately proving Samuel Darrington’s guilt.

Our Victim Service Officer Leigha DuVal was with our victim’s family every step of the way throughout this difficult time.
Sentencing for Samuel Darrington is set for October 27 at 1:30 p.m.