A Northshore judge has sent a man to 57 years in prison after his conviction for chasing down his wife and shooting her four times in front of their child.
"Judge Richard Swartz sentenced 47-year-old Calvin Ulyessa Brown of Slidell to 57 years in prison following his conviction for attempting to kill his estranged wife," Assistant District Attorney Bruce Dearing said in a news release. "A St. Tammany Parish jury found Brown guilty of attempt second degree murder, attempt simple burglary and stalking."
Prosecutors told jurors that Brown ambushed his estranged wife and shot her four times as she sat in her vehicle.
"Their 7-year-old son was in Brown’s car and witnessed the attack," Dearing said.
It happened on Joseph Street in Slidell in 2022.
After the shooting, the victim stopped breathing on the scene; but Slidell Police Officer Rachel Harris was able to revive her. More than three years later, the victim was able to take the stand in court.
"The victim testified at trial, describing a 21-year history of abuse and harassment by the defendant. The victim continues to deal with the physical effects of the shooting."
Dearing said that the night of the attack surveillance footage and forensic evidence from phone records and the defendant’s Apple Watch showed Brown called his wife more than 50 times, broke into her home and chased her down.
"At the sentencing hearing, the victim and the son both made statements prior to the imposition of sentence. The victim described the hurt she feels knowing their son will grow up without a father but that she will make certain 'not to raise him to put his hands on a woman.' The now 10-year-old son said he often feels sad and wants his father to explain 'why you did this to us.'"
Judge Swartz imposed the maximum penalty on each of the charges: 50 years in prison for the attempt murder, six years for the attempt burglary and one year for the stalking.
"He then ordered the three sentences to run consecutive to each other, meaning Brown will serve a 57-year prison term."