BEAUMONT, Texas – A grim chapter in the Texas ganglands has closed with the sentencing of Tanner Lynn Bourque, a/k/a “Two Shoes,” a/k/a “Hitman,” to life in federal prison for his role in a 2011 racketeering murder. The 34-year-old Vidor native pleaded guilty in July 2013 to aiding and abetting murder.
Bourque ordered the execution of Kenny Don Stanley, 32, who then gunned down James Lee Sedtal, known as “Lil Bit,” at Vicki Stark-Fitts’s Liberty County residence. Bourque, Kristopher Leigh Guidry, a/k/a “Hollywood” (29), and Stark-Fitts (49) all played pivotal roles in the grim scheme. The quartet were part of the SWS, a race-based organization with deep roots within Texas’ penal system.
The motive behind Sedtal’s killing was clear: Bourque and his crew sought to protect their interests in the face of impending retaliation from the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT). Sedtal had insulted an ABT associate, leading the gang to threaten SWS. Bourque aimed to bolster his position within SWS by eliminating Sedtal.
The SWS, also known as “Solid Wood Soldiers” and “Separate White State,” has been a criminal enterprise since the 1990s. The group’s activities, including methamphetamine trafficking and firearms dealing, have long been fueled by intimidation and violence. Bourque was part of an SWS cell that manufactured and distributed meth in Orange County from September 2010 to January 2011.
Stanley and Guidry were previously sentenced to life for their involvement. Stark-Fitts awaits her fate, facing up to life imprisonment. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhood’s Time Machine Initiative, a federal program aimed at eradicating gang violence in Texas.
This investigation was a massive collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross prosecuted the case.
Related Federal Cases
- Vidor Shooter Sentenced To Life For Racketeering Murder · Texas
- Vidor Gang Leaders Plead Guilty in Meth and Murder Racketeering Case · Texas
- San Antonio Sex Trafficker Marcus Wright Gets Life Terms · Texas
- Louisiana Man Gets Life for Orange Co. Meth Conspiracy · Texas
- East Texas Meth Ring Busted: 18 Face Life Behind Bars · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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