A Tarrant County jury has handed a Fort Worth man an 80-year prison sentence after a shooting inside a church that was serving meals to people experiencing homelessness, a case prosecutors say left one man paralyzed and laid out a long trail of past violence.
Paul Davis, 59, was convicted of unlawfully carrying a weapon as a felon, then hit with the decades-long sentence after jurors heard about his criminal history and what happened inside the church that day.
Details From Prosecutors
According to the Tarrant County District Attorney, Davis was convicted of unlawful carrying of a weapon by a felon after bringing a gun into a church where meals were being served to people experiencing homelessness. Prosecutors said an encounter there turned violent and ended in gunfire that left the victim paralyzed.
Thanks to the Fort Worth Police Department for their work on this case and their commitment to keeping our community safe. pic.twitter.com/TsiotpSUY5
— Tarrant County DA (@TarrantCountyDA) June 26, 2026
The district attorney's office said jurors also heard about several prior violent incidents tied to Davis, including another shooting, and that he was described to the jury as a habitual offender. The office publicly thanked the Fort Worth Police Department for its investigative work on the case.
What Jurors Heard
During trial, prosecutors told jurors that Davis had carried a firearm into the church and that an altercation inside the building escalated into a shooting, leaving the victim permanently paralyzed. To underscore Davis's history with violence, they introduced evidence of earlier incidents that they said involved him, including a separate shooting.
Prosecutors characterized Davis as a habitual offender and argued that his record, combined with the life-altering injury to the victim, warranted a lengthy sentence. The resulting 80-year term, the district attorney's office said, reflects both the severity of the harm and Davis's criminal past.
Case Team And Victim Services
Assistant District Attorneys Nicole O'Doherty and John Darby led the prosecution, with DA investigator Jimmy Desmarais assisting and Elizabeth Garcia serving as the victim coordinator, according to the district attorney's office.
The office said victim services remain available to the paralyzed man and his family as they navigate the aftermath of the shooting. Officials also encouraged anyone with information about related incidents to contact investigators through the appropriate local channels.
What Is Next
Davis was remanded to custody following sentencing. The district attorney's public statement did not indicate whether he plans to appeal. Any future legal moves will be documented in Tarrant County court records, where the sentencing order and case filings are available to the public.
The DA's office reiterated its appreciation for the Fort Worth Police Department and said it remains focused on protecting residents who rely on church-based outreach and similar programs across the community.
