A Fort Worth man who had been on probation for manslaughter is now headed to prison for 20 years after a judge revoked his supervision, according to the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office. Prosecutors publicly credited the Fort Worth Police Department for helping secure the new sentence. The defendant, 22-year-old Joel Dewon Miles Jr., also faces separate counts related to drug possession and unlawful carrying of a weapon.
In today's post from the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office, officials said Miles's manslaughter probation was revoked and that he received a 20-year prison term. The office thanked Fort Worth police "for their work on this case and for their commitment to keeping our community safe," but did not share additional details about the hearing itself.
Thanks to the Fort Worth Police Department for their work on this case and for their commitment to keeping our community safe. pic.twitter.com/lFVLIv41w3
— Tarrant County DA (@TarrantCountyDA) June 17, 2026
Tarrant County jail records show Miles was booked on May 15 on a manslaughter charge. The public booking report also lists associated counts of possession of a controlled substance and unlawful carrying of a weapon, with the county's "Booked In" report identifying the entries and charges in the online system.
The criminal case stems from a December 30 shooting in East Fort Worth that left 20-year-old Jordan Miles dead. Joel Miles was arrested in April 2024 on a murder charge in that investigation, according to The Dallas Morning News. Police reports at the time said officers recovered multiple shell casings and firearms at the scene.
According to the DA's post, assistant district attorneys Sierra Woodard and Emily Dixon, investigator Joshua Neiswender, and victim coordinator Imelda Lopez are assigned to the prosecution team. The office did not release a copy of the formal sentencing order or identify the judge who imposed the 20-year term.
Legal context
Under Texas law, manslaughter is a second-degree felony that carries a possible punishment of two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The 20-year term given to Miles matches the maximum sentence allowed in that range. The state penal code outlines these sentencing guidelines and permits a judge to impose a prison sentence when probation is revoked, according to the Texas Penal Code.
What’s next
Upcoming court docket entries are expected to detail the formal sentencing order and address any remaining charges in the case. Tarrant County court records will house the official filings once they are entered. For now, authorities have not released additional court documents beyond the DA's public post and the information contained in the jail booking report.
