For the best experienceDownload the Mobile App
App Store Play Store
Billings man found guilty of deliberate homicide in 2023 nightclub shooting
Billings man found guilty of deliberate homicide in 2023 nightclub shooting
Billings man found guilty of deliberate homicide in 2023 nightclub shooting

Published on: 03/14/2025

Description

BILLINGS — A jury found a Billings man guilty Thursday of deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence in a fatal shooting outside a Billings nightclub in 2023.

Xavier Thanae Buffalo was facing the two felony charges after shooting 21-year-old Beau Harlan Beaumont on Feb. 12, 2023, in the parking lot outside America's Wild West on Southgate Drive.

Watch the story here:

Billings man found guilty of deliberate homicide in February 2023 nightclub shooting

The trial began on Monday, and the jury deliberated for a few hours Thursday afternoon before reaching a verdict around 5 p.m.

On Thursday morning, defense attorneys argued Buffalo should be charged with tampering with evidence, but they did say that Buffalo acted in self-defense and was under emotional and mental stress due to Beaumont choking his neck.

"You might agree with the state that Xavier was the aggressor, again, maybe so, but once Beau started pushing on Xavier's neck, that must have put Xavier in reasonable fear of death, and that is a possibility that the state cannot rule out. The state cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this was not self defense, and that is their burden," said defense attorney Blaine McGivern.

Prosecutors said Buffalo initiated the fight and therefore cannot claim self-defense. They also said Beaumont was attempting to leave the establishment and that Buffalo did not report that he had been choked.

“When was Beau losing this fight? He was essentially helpless to a guy with a plan and a guy who was mad and a guy who was pissed, and he'd been pissed according to the undisputed evidence in this case for probably a week," said Yellowstone County Deputy Prosecutor Ed Zink.

Sentencing will be held at a later date.

News Source : https://www.kbzk.com/news/crime-courts/billings-man-found-guilty-of-deliberate-homicide-in-2023-nightclub-shooting

Other Related News

US shoppers increased spending last month, but consumers still hesitant amid economic uncertainty
US shoppers increased spending last month, but consumers still hesitant amid economic uncertainty

03/17/2025

US consumer spending bounced back in February but still came in below what many experts pr...

Judge says Fani Willis violated open records law, orders her to pay $54K in attorneys' fees
Judge says Fani Willis violated open records law, orders her to pay $54K in attorneys' fees

03/17/2025

A judge has ordered Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to pay more than 54000 in ...

'Closing Time': Band criticizes White House for using song in deportation video
'Closing Time': Band criticizes White House for using song in deportation video

03/17/2025

An American rock band is slamming the White House for use of its music in a video purporte...

Trump says he will release documents related to the assassination of JFK
Trump says he will release documents related to the assassination of JFK

03/17/2025

President Donald Trump said his administration would release 80000 pages related to the as...

Thousands of racers 'Run to the Pub' to celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend in Bozeman
Thousands of racers 'Run to the Pub' to celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend in Bozeman

03/17/2025

BOZEMAN A Saint Patricks Day tradition kicked off early Saturday morning as thousands of ...

ShoutoutGive Shoutout
500/500