The Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office and Fort Worth Police Department announced that 48-year-old Ronald E. Berry was found guilty of Murder and sentenced to 70 years in prison for the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Demonta Demont Tanksley on January 30, 2018.
According to court records, Tanksley, an up-and-coming rapper known as Monte Wayne, visited Berry’s home to address a disagreement over accusations of theft. Within minutes of their encounter, as Tanksley turned to leave, Berry pulled out a gun and shot him 13 times.
Berry called 911 after the shooting, claiming that Tanksley had forced his way into the home and was threatening him. However, the arrest affidavit and witness testimony refuted this account. A witness who drove Tanksley to Berry’s home stated that Tanksley knocked on the door for five minutes before entering, indicating that Berry’s story was fabricated.
Berry, who is also a known drug dealer, was already serving a 14-year sentence in federal prison. His 70-year murder sentence will run concurrently with his current prison term.
