A Houston jury has sentenced Anthony Martin Landry to life in prison for the murder of local attorney Jeffrey Limmer at a McDonald’s.
The murder trial – which allegedly stemmed from a disagreement over a Filet-O-Fish order in May of 2024- ended in a quick guilty verdict.
Landry, now 59, was convicted of murder on Wednesday after jurors deliberated for just around 20 minutes, per KHOU News. That same jury later handed down the life sentence after hearing emotional testimony from Limmer’s family and friends.
Prosecutors claimed that Landry, 46, fired nine shots at Limmer over a dispute at the restaurant chain, despite his prior criminal record prohibiting him from possessing a firearm.
Witnesses claimed that Limmer was defending the employees from Landry, who was violently angry over a sandwich order.
The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. on May 4, 2024, at the McDonald’s located along the Katy Freeway near Chimney Rock Road in Houston.
Witnesses at the scene reportedly described Landry arguing with employees over a botched Filet-O-Fish sandwich, demanding a refund of around $1.40 and using profanity.
Limmer, who was at the restaurant and had already ordered food, intervened to defend the workers while urging Landry to calm down and leave.
A verbal exchange then allegedly escalated between the two men, leading Limmer to push Landry out the restaurant’s door. Landry then retrieved a gun from his car and returned to shoot Limmer 9 times before leaving the area.
Despite efforts by bystanders and an employee to save him, Limmer succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Limmer, an associate at the Houston office of the Lewis Brisbois law firm, was remembered by colleagues and family as a kind and loyal friend.
During victim impact statements detailed in a report by The Houston Chronicle, Limmer’s family shared heartfelt tributes, and some sharp truths about how the tragedy should not have even occurred in the first place. His father, Jim Limmer, said, “He shot him, not once, not twice, but nine times with a firearm he shouldn’t have had in his possession because of his criminal record.”
His half-brother, Brent Limmer, recounted how Jeffrey had donated bone marrow to save his life during a battle with blood cancer. His sister, Angie, said, “He is my guardian angel. Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Prosecutors Tiffany Dupree and Keegan Childers from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office praised the jury’s quick decision. “The family is very grateful to the jury for being part of the process, deliberating and reaching what is a very appropriate outcome,” Dupree told KHOU.
Landry’s defense attorney, Kenneth Cager, argued for self-defense and sought a minimum sentence of 15 years. However, Landry’s criminal history includes a drug possession charge and a later fraud conviction that led to a short prison term.
Prosecutors countered that there was “nothing in this case that suggests he deserves less,” pointing to the absence of any other factors like mental health issues or childhood trauma.
According to Harris County Jail records, Landry was also previously arrested for aggravated assault of a family member.
Landry stood to face the Limmer family and offered an apology. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years, at the age of 89.
In honor of Limmer, a park located near the McDonald’s where the shooting took place has been renamed after him.
