HENDERSON COUNTY, TX – Chaz Taelor White, 35, was sentenced to life in prison on Monday, October 27, by Henderson County 392nd District Court Judge Scott McKee, following his conviction for the 2023 murder of Alexis Garoutte. White was found guilty by a Henderson County jury on October 24 after a week-long trial.
The crime occurred on April 21, 2023, when Henderson County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to Sailfish Drive in Mabank regarding a shooting. Upon arrival, Deputy Clint Sharp and Deputy Baker found Alexis Garoutte slumped over in the passenger seat of a black Dodge Ram. Despite life-saving efforts, Garoutte could not be revived.
Evidence presented at trial showed that White had fired a Saiga AK-47 toward the Dodge Ram, believing he was targeting another individual at the scene. Surveillance footage captured White’s actions, and audio from the footage reportedly recorded him yelling, “Boy! Get the **** out of your truck!” immediately following the shooting. Phone records and testimony indicated that White attempted to have his wife dispose of the firearm immediately afterward and acknowledged to a friend that he might face murder charges.
During trial, prosecutors also highlighted White’s history, including prior probation terms for Burglary of Habitation (2012) and Interference with Public Duties from Dallas County, as well as a 2011 probation for Aggravated Robbery. White admitted to using and distributing methamphetamine and had tattoos associated with white supremacist prison gangs, including "SS" lightning bolts. After the murder, White added a tattoo of a gun on the side of his head and a bullet tattooed with his wife’s name.
Assistant District Attorney Jessica Bargmann presented the case to the jury, using surveillance footage and witness testimony to establish White’s actions and intent. First Assistant District Attorney Daniel Cox assisted in prosecution. District Attorney Jenny Palmer commended the efforts of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, investigators, and prosecutors, highlighting their teamwork in securing justice for Garoutte.
