A Mobile County Jury Has Found Samuel Darrington Guilty

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
September 22, 2023

MOBILE, Alabama – A Mobile County jury has found Samuel Darrington guilty of Murder and Shooting into an Unoccupied Vehicle.

On May 20, 2020, Xavier Sowels -Portlock was shot to death ten times by Samuel Darrington. Evidence was presented in court showing Mr. Sowels – Portlock putting his children into his car to leave Sunset Bayou Apartments when Samuel Darrington walked over to him and delivered the fatal shots. 

“The added element of this crime being committed in front of children makes the circumstances around this death even more tragic,” says Mobile County District Attorney, Keith Blackwood. “We are very thankful the jury saw the defendant’s guilt.”

The State was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Michaelyn Gober and Jacqueline Blanchard along with Trial Coordinator Melissa McCracken and Victim Service Officer Leigha DuVal who prepared and presented the case, ultimately proving Samuel Darrington’s guilt.

Sentencing for Samuel Darrington is set for October 27 at 1:30 p.m.

Media contact

Tara Zieman
Communications Director,
Mobile County District Attorney’s Office

tarazieman@mobileda.org
(251) 348-0297