Booth Seeks New Lawyer, Delaying Sentencing for La Crosse Shooting

Diontae Booth was convicted in February for shooting and wounding his ex-girlfriend, but his sentencing could now be pushed back months.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:37am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the physical evidence and gritty investigation surrounding a violent crime.A single spent bullet casing, a stark reminder of the violence that disrupted one La Crosse family, now faces further delays in the justice process.La Crosse Today

A La Crosse man convicted two months ago of shooting and wounding an ex-girlfriend is asking for a new defense lawyer, potentially delaying his sentencing by 6 months to a year. Diontae Booth was found guilty in February of reckless injury and lesser charges for the May 2025 incident, but his sentencing that was scheduled for April 17th may now be pushed back as the judge waits for Booth to find a replacement attorney.

Why it matters

Delays in sentencing can be frustrating for victims and the community, as it prolongs the legal process and the ability to provide closure. This case also highlights the challenges the criminal justice system faces in balancing defendants' rights with victims' needs, especially in high-profile violent crimes.

The details

Booth was convicted for wounding his former girlfriend in the face during an incident last May. Less than two weeks before his scheduled sentencing, Booth is now asking for a new defense lawyer. Judge Scott Horne says he doesn't want Booth's current attorney to withdraw from the case until a replacement can be found, as that would further delay the sentencing anywhere from 6 months to a year.

  • Booth was convicted in February 2026.
  • Booth's sentencing was originally scheduled for April 17, 2026.
  • A new hearing in the case has been set for May 5, 2026.

The players

Diontae Booth

A La Crosse man convicted in February 2026 of shooting and wounding his ex-girlfriend.

Judge Scott Horne

The judge overseeing Booth's case who does not want to delay the sentencing further by allowing Booth's current attorney to withdraw until a replacement is found.

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What they’re saying

“Horne says he doesn't want Booth's current attorney to withdraw from the case until a replacement can be found. Otherwise, Horne says the sentencing could be delayed anywhere from 6 months to a year.”

— Judge Scott Horne, Presiding Judge

What’s next

A new hearing in Booth's case has been set for May 5, 2026, where the judge will determine if a change of lawyers will be approved and how that will impact the sentencing timeline.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges the criminal justice system faces in balancing defendants' rights with victims' needs, as delays in sentencing can prolong the legal process and deny closure for those impacted by violent crimes.