Potential Victim, Person of Interest Sought in Amite-area Homicide

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a potential  victim as well as a person of interest in an active homicide investigation.

Around 1 p.m. today (April 3, 2025), TPSO was requested to conduct a welfare check on a home on Eastwood Drive in the Amite area. When deputies arrived, they found a woman dead inside of the home.

Two male residents of the home are unaccounted for and are being sought: 1) Marc Brocato, age 75, is 6 feet tall and weighs around 200 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes. He is believed to be a potential victim and possibly in danger; 2) Joshua Brocato, age 34, is 5’9” weighing around 200 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He is a person of interest in this crime. Detectives believe 
Joshua Brocato is traveling in a white 2014 Ford utility van with a last known location in Lafayette earlier this week.

Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information about either of these individuals’ whereabouts to contact Criminal Investigations at 985-902-2088 or Louisiana State Police Suspicious Activity Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! You may be eligible for a cash reward.

Obituary

Annie Lee Weary Green

October 7, 1956 - March 29, 2025

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 1-2, 2025

Howard Hanson (age 60 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Curtis Warren (age 45 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting Arrest by Flight, Failure to Dim Headlights, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Brandon Duhon (age 45 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility, Driving Under Suspension, Careless Operation, No Proof of Insurance, Improper Lane Usage, Driving While Intoxicated, Failure to Appear (2 counts), and Contempt of Court by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Brittany Crowe (age 38 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Antwan Washington (age 29 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Use Turn Signal 100 ft. Prior to Turn, No Drivers License, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Jason Bateman (age 46 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Assault With a Firearm and Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jamal Moseley (age 30 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Battery of Infirm, Attempted Robbery, and Contempt of Court (4 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Michael Beaver (age 45 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse/Aggravated Assault/Child Endangerment, Domestic Abuse/Aggravated Assault, and Resisting an Officer by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Jeremy Forbes (age 41 with Sandy Hook, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Willie Wilson (age 45 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Speeding 31-40 Over Limit, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Failure to Appear, and Failure to Pay Fine by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***

Obituary

Hiluard Lavan "H.L." Crain

July 31, 1935 - March 27, 2025

Obituary

Ryan Scott Miley

February 14, 1989 - April 1, 2025

Obituary

Michael Wade Roy

December 31, 1961 - March 31, 2025

Today's Message from ADAPT

These are some of the signs that may indicate someone is drinking excessively. If you’re concerned that you or a friend may be struggling, there are resources available to help: visit samhsa.gov/alcohol. Contact a Project ADAPT team member at ADAPT – (985) 735-0160.

Learn more and "Like" ADAPT's Facebook page and visit their website.

ADAPT, INC. is a nonprofit organization whose goals are 

1. To prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens by delivering research based prevention programs.
2. To provide child abuse prevention and direct services to victims which includes a variety of programs and services.
3. To provide sexual assault prevention and direct services to assault victims which includes: operating a 24/7 crisis hotline; providing hospital and law enforcement victim advocates 24/7; providing sexual assault information, prevention education, professional training, awareness campaigns, inter-agency collaboration, and victim support and counseling.
4. To provide prevention and educational services targeting substance abuse. 

Click here for previous and important messages from ADAPT

Today's Headlines from NPR News

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Tonight   Increasing clouds, with a low around 73. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Friday   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Breezy, with a southeast wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Friday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Saturday   Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night   Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 61. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Nigerian, Living in Hammond, Arrested for Internet Sex Crimes Against Juveniles

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force has arrested 19 year-old Ugochukwu Chukwudi, from Nigeria but living in Hammond, on 41 counts of Pornography Involving Juveniles Under 13 and 23 counts of Pornography Involving Juveniles.

Last month, the TPSO ICAC Unit started investigating the uploading of pornography involving juveniles onto an online cloud service. Detectives were able to identify Chukwudi as the person uploading the material. He was taken into custody Monday (March 31, 2025).

An analysis of the devices Chukwudi had at the time of his arrest contained 64 video files containing child sexual abuse material with a majority of the victims being under the age of 13.

This activity is part of TPSO’s partnership with Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Office and their ICAC Task Force which includes a collaboration with numerous local law enforcement agencies.

The TPSO would like to thank the Hammond Police Department for their assistance with this case.

LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message

April is a Good Time to Plant Tomatoes

Few vegetables are as beloved as fresh tomatoes. Growing your own is a chance to get them fresh off the plant and to have your choice of varieties.

In April, there’s little chance of another frost, and it’s still early enough that tomatoes planted now are less likely to experience the excessively warm temperatures that interfere with pollination and fruit set. (If you plant tomatoes after April in Louisiana, it’s advised to use “heat-set” varieties.)

Tomatoes are not the most trouble-free of vegetables. Try not to replant in a place where you planted them last year, to reduce the chance of having trouble with soilborne diseases. Choosing varieties that have resistance to root knot nematodes, Fusarium wilt, tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), and/or other diseases will reduce the likelihood of having certain issues. If you water in a way that gets the leaves wet, do this in the early morning rather than the late afternoon or evening.

Good drainage is important for tomatoes, as it is for most vegetables. If drainage at your site is poor, consider growing in a raised bed or container.

Soil pH for tomatoes should be between pH 6 and 7. Lime applied to raise soil pH also provides calcium and, if dolomitic lime is used, magnesium.

In the absence of soil test results, for every 100 feet of row (or 300 square feet), 4 pounds (8 cups) of 8-24-24 or 13-13-13 can be mixed into the soil before planting. Side dress plants at the time of first fruit-set (when blossoms drop and the first tiny fruits appear) with calcium nitrate, at a rate of 1.5 to 2 pounds (2.5 to 3.5 cups) per 100 feet of row / 300 square feet. Side dress again when the third and (optionally) fourth flower clusters set fruit.

Tomatoes can be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart within a row. Wider spacing will allow more air movement and may reduce disease.

If you’re planting in a container, try to find one that’s at least 5 gallons in size, and make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom. Many potting mixes have fertilizer mixed into them, and you can supplement that with a water-soluble fertilizer. Try to find one in which the concentrations of phosphate and potash are greater – or at least as great as – that of nitrogen.

Let me know if you have questions.

Click here for previous LSU AgCenter's Weekly Messages

Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson is an Extension Agent with the LSU AgCenter, with horticulture responsibilities in Washington and Tangipahoa Parishes. Contact Mary Helen at mhferguson@agcenter.lsu.edu or 985-277-1850 (Hammond) or 985-839-7855 (Franklinton).

Obituary

Annette Crain Batson

June 25, 1945 - April 1, 2025

Obituary

Emma Seals Rushing

October 1, 1934 - April 1, 2025

Obituary

Linda Binder Ross

July 10, 1950 - March 20, 2025

Obituary

Cammie Lambert Carr

June 22, 1967 – March 28, 2025

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday   Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday Night   Increasing clouds, with a low around 71. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Friday   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Friday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind around 15 mph.

Today's Headlines from NPR News

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 31, 2025

Lakhia Brown (age 22 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Pay Fine. Released on $120.00 bond.

Maya Price (age 23 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Attempted First Degree Murder (5 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Ondrej Bickham (age 30 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation and Resisting an Officer by the 22nd JDC. No bond set at this time.

Mitchell Guilbeau (age 30 with Centerville, La. address) was booked on the charges of Home Invasion/Vandalism/Destruction and Resisting an Officer by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Dallas Magee (age 29 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jerry Baker (age 34 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of 2nd Degree Murder, Illegal Use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm (2 counts), Resisting an Officer, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order (3 counts), Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Probation and Parole Hold, and Contempt of Court by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Ronnie Pigott (age 54 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Determination of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting an Officer, and Failure to Appear (4 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***

Public Hearing Notice - City of Bogalusa

April Events in the Town of Franklinton

Spring has sprung in the Town of Franklinton, and we’ve got a month full of exciting events for our
community! 🌟

🧹 4/5 – Town Clean Up Day- #KeepLouisianaBeautiful #LoveTheBookWeek

Let’s work together to keep our town beautiful! Visit our Facebook event page for more details. 

🏛️ 4/8 & 4/22 – Town Council Meetings

Your voice matters—join us and stay involved in shaping our future.

🐣 4/12 – Easter Egg Hunt @ the Fairgrounds

Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day of hunting eggs and making memories! Visit the Facebook event page for more details!

✝️ 4/18 – Town Hall Closed for Good Friday

Wishing everyone a peaceful and reflective Good Friday.

Mark your calendars and join us in making this April one to remember! 

Obituary

Leatha "Toad" Dunaway

May 15, 1935 - March 29, 2025

Today's Message from ADAPT

Many victims of drug overdose have bystanders nearby who could have helped. Recognizing an opioid overdose can be difficult. If you aren’t sure, it is best to treat the situation like an overdose - you could save a life. Call 911 or seek medical care for the individual.

A medication called Narcan can reverse an overdose from opioids.

Anyone can carry Narcan, give it to someone experiencing an overdose, and potentially save a life.

Learn more and "Like" ADAPT's Facebook page and visit their website.

ADAPT, INC. is a nonprofit organization whose goals are 

1. To prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens by delivering research based prevention programs.
2. To provide child abuse prevention and direct services to victims which includes a variety of programs and services.
3. To provide sexual assault prevention and direct services to assault victims which includes: operating a 24/7 crisis hotline; providing hospital and law enforcement victim advocates 24/7; providing sexual assault information, prevention education, professional training, awareness campaigns, inter-agency collaboration, and victim support and counseling.
4. To provide prevention and educational services targeting substance abuse. 

Click here for previous and important messages from ADAPT

Bogalusa District A 11th Annual Spring Clean Up Day is April 11th

Today's Headlines from NPR News

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Wednesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday   Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph.

Arrested: Couple Wanted for Attempted Murder in Bogalusa

The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office reports the arrests on March 24, 2025 of 19 year-old Ivan Fletcher and 23 year-old Maya Price, both wanted by Bogalusa Police in connection with a shooting in Bogalusa on March 21, 2025. 

On March 21, 2025, LPSO was contacted by the Bogalusa Police Department requesting an attempt to locate Ivan Fletcher following a shooting in its jurisdiction. Bogalusa investigators indicated that Fletcher and his girlfriend - Maya Price - arrived in the area for Price to engage in a fistic encounter. According to investigators, Fletcher began firing a handgun into a vehicle occupied by five subjects - with one possibly being a 5 month old. BPD obtained arrest warrants on the couple, charging Fletcher with 5 counts of Attempted First Degree Murder and Price with 5 counts of Principal to Attempted First Degree Murder.

Narcotics Agents with the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office have been investigating a local gang - referred to as the ‘Motion Gang’. Sheriff Jason Ard says, “Through the scope of the investigation, LPSO Agents learned this is a ‘hybrid gang’ in the Springfield, Hammond and Ponchatoula areas. Members primarily engage in illegal narcotics distribution and street violence and consist of adults and juveniles. Agents identified multiple members and found a common place for them to hang out and distribute illegal narcotics was Pardue Road in Springfield.”

Sheriff Ard says, “On March 24, 2025, LPSO Agents began conducting surveillance of the known "Motion Gang" hangout on Pardue. Agents observed Fletcher in his vehicle and began to follow him. When Fletcher travelled into Tangipahoa Parish, LPSO Agents requested the assistance of TPSO narcotics. Fletcher and Price were stopped on I-12 at the Hammond exit and were taken into custody by Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office.”

Fletcher's vehicle was towed back to Livingston. Search Warrants were secured and LPSO Agents
located the following: approx 180 grams of marijuana, approx 4 dosage units of Oxycodone, approx 2 dosage units of pressed fentanyl pills, approx 30 fl oz of promethazine, THC vape carts, 3 handguns, 2 - 22 caliber rifles, 1 - 7.62 caliber AR style pistol (reported stolen), and $4,561 US Currency (pending seizure). 

Sheriff says, “This is not the type of activity we want to see here. We’re investing our time & attention into making sure gang members are not comfortable here. Gang-type activity will NOT be tolerated. We’re watching. We’re sharing information with our partner agencies. Citizens, see something? Say something. Let’s work together to protect our community.”

Anyone with information about suspicious activity is encouraged to call us at 225-686-2241 x1, submit a tip via our LPSO APP or call CRIMESTOPPERS at (225) 344-STOP (7867) for a possible cash reward.

Obituary

Russell Jay Nielson

January 6, 1951 - March 30, 2025

Washington Parish Sheriff's Office Announces Promotion, Citations

Last Friday (March 28, 2025, Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith presented two citations and promoted a deputy to Sergeant during his monthly all-hands meeting at the courthouse in Franklinton. Every month, the Sheriff meets with his deputies to discuss changes, provide updates, and present awards.

Sheriff Smith would like to congratulate Jonathan Shane Hickman on his promotion from Deputy First Class to Sergeant. Sgt. Hickman, 37, has been a Deputy Sheriff for two years and has a total of 4 years of Law Enforcement experience. Prior to his career in Law Enforcement, Sgt. Hickman served 4 years in the United States Army.

Deputies Keaton Ruffino and Katherine Ordoyne were both presented with citations for their actions following a mass shooting that took place in Franklinton on March 2. Ruffino and Ordoyne were both near the shooting when it happened, and after securing the area, jumped into action to treat and stabilize victims until medical professionals arrived on scene. Following the incident, both Deputies escorted the victims to nearby hospitals and provided security, despite having already worked a 12-hour shift that day.

Despite both being relatively new to the Sheriff’s Office, Deputies Ruffino and Ordoyne acted upon their training to quickly assess a chaotic situation and render aid to those in need. Their actions that day exemplify the spirit of sacrifice and service that all Deputy Sheriff’s aspire to, and could very well have saved the lives of the victims that they treated.

Obituary

Emma Dean Morgan McDaniel

January 4, 1939 - March 27, 2025

Obituary

Rosa Dean Brock

April 15, 1925 - March 27, 2025

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 29-30, 2025

William Thomas (age 33 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated (2nd Offense), Improper Lane Usage, and Open Container in Vehicle by the Franklinton Police Department. Released on $6000.00 bond.

Dominique Warren (age 37 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $10000.00 bond.

Jerome Peters (age 19 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Simple Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2500.00.

Jeremy Meyn (age 39 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Battery of Infirm, Theft Less Than 1000, Theft of Firearm, Second Degree Battery, and 2nd Degree Rape/Vaginal. Bond set at $15000.00.

Kayle Cutrer (age 19 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Battery of a Dating Partner and Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Alfredo Cortez (age 36 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated, License Plate Light Required, No Drivers License, and Improper Lane Usage by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Sylvia Alexander (age 66 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Issuing Worthless Checks Under 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Joshua Pittman (age 44 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Violence Battery (2nd Offense) by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Today's Headlines from NPR News

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1pm. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog before 9am. High near 83. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Tonight   Increasing clouds, with a low around 59. North wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.

Tuesday   Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday   Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Wednesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Pearl River Man Convicted of Indecent Behavior With Girlfriend's 8 Year-Old Daughter

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on March 28, 2025, a St. Tammany Parish jury returned a guilty verdict against 48-year-old Lawrence Burt of Pearl River who was charged with Indecent behavior with a juvenile under the age of thirteen.  Assistant District Attorneys Luke Lancaster and Jay Adair presented the case to the jury with Judge Alan Black presiding over the four-day trial.  Detective Nicholas Fishel, formerly with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Office and now with Louisiana State Police, was the lead detective during the investigation.

According to trial testimony, deputies with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office were dispatched in March, 2022, to a Pearl River residence in reference to a sexual abuse complaint.  Upon arrival, deputies spoke to a woman who said her 8-year-old daughter had been touched inappropriately by her boyfriend, Lawrence Burt.

The complaint was forwarded to Detective Fishel for investigation.  He arranged for the child to be taken to the Children’s Advocacy Center’s Hope House in Covington where the child was interviewed by forensic interviewer Cally Huggins. During the interview, the child said Burt would sneak into her bedroom during the night on multiple occasions and touch her inappropriately.  The child said she tried to lock her bedroom door at night but Burt would “fuss” at her.  She said she had been afraid to tell her mother what Burt was doing because she feared it would make him angry and he would kill her family.  The girl’s mother was interviewed and she said Burt frequently stayed up during the night playing video games and watching pornography.  She said he had tampered with the lock on her daughter’s bedroom door. 

An arrest warrant was issued and detectives made repeated attempts to locate Burt.  They discovered Burt abandoned his residence and abruptly quit his job.  After intensive efforts and assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Burt was located at a Slidell apartment complex and arrested.  When questioned about the accusations against him, Burt said the victim was lying.  He said anyone could make false allegations against him and he would be taken to jail because he is a convicted sex offender.  When asked why he ran if he was innocent, he said he wasn’t running, he was just helping a friend move.  Burt then admitted he saw the police at his residence when his friend drove him back to his house.  He said they did not stop and that he knew there was a warrant for his arrest.

Sentencing for Burt is set in May, 2025.  The penalty for Indecent behavior with a juvenile under the age of thirteen is imprisonment for two to twenty-five years.  Burt has a prior conviction for sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl when he was 31 years old. He also has a conviction for theft and two convictions for failing to register as a convicted sex offender.

Obituary

Martin Kemp Blackwell

March 13, 1956 - March 28, 2025

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday   Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 84. Southwest wind around 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Monday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday   A 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 10 to 15 mph.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 28, 2025

Thomas Allemand (age 27 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Prohibited Acts by the Franklinton Police Department. Released March 29, 2025.

Kevin Levi (age 62 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of No Turn Signals, Driving While Intoxicated, and Issuing Worthless Checks 0-100 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3000.00.

Madeline Carnegie (age 45 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Under Suspension, No License Plate, and No Insurance by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Kenneth Ishman (age 40 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $1160.00.

***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 78. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Tonight   Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 11pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 7am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Sunday Night   Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 67. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday   Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 53. North wind around 5 mph.

Folsom Man Convicted of First Degree Murder of 7-Month Old Son

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on March 27, 2025, a St. Tammany Parish jury found 32-year-old Corey Nauck, Sr. (image is a file photo from 2018) guilty of First Degree Murder.  Assistant District Attorneys Iain Dover and Angelina Valuri presented the case to the jury with Judge William H. Burris presiding over the 4-day trial.  Detective Daniel Buckner with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office was the lead detective in the investigation.

According to trial testimony, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office was notified at approximately 9:10 am, on February 26, 2018, that a 7-month old infant had arrived at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in critical condition with suspicious and obvious head injuries. The baby had been brought to the STPH emergency room by his father, Corey Nauck, who did not initially explain how the child had been injured while they were at home together, after his wife went to work.  Several medical personnel testified that Nauck provided numerous explanations about how the baby had been gravely injured, which included the baby being dropped and alternatively the baby falling off of a changing table. 

Due to the severity of the baby’s skull fracture, the child was airlifted to a south shore hospital, where he was determined by medical officials to have no brain activity.  Two days later, on February 28, 2018, the baby was taken off of life support and pronounced deceased.  Following an autopsy conducted that same day, the baby’s death was ruled a homicide.

Click here for previous reporting

Law enforcement officials located and arrested Nauck later that evening at a family member’s home in Mississippi.  Nauck eventually confessed that he had “lost it” after his son wouldn’t stop crying.  He admitted and demonstrated to investigators how he slammed the baby’s head on the ground 5-7 times.  Nauck explained how he didn’t tell anyone about what he had done to his son because he knew “he [the Defendant] was going to lose everything and everyone.”  Nauck further admitted he never called 911 to seek out medical assistance.  He described how he drove the baby through Covington in his vehicle after knowing he was critically injured, because his other 5 year old son needed to be dropped off at school. 

Throughout the trial, jurors listened to testimony from the baby’s medical teams at both of the hospitals where he received treatment for his injuries.  All of those witnesses explained to jurors how the baby was so severely injured, that his case would follow them for the rest of their life.  Defense counsel conceded that Nauck was solely responsible for his baby’s death, but asserted he did not intend to kill him.  In the first closing argument, Assistant District Attorney Angelina Valuri stated, “Let your verdict of guilty as charged be the last voice this little boy hears before he finally rests in peace.”  Assistant District Attorney Iain Dover said in his closing argument, “The only just outcome in this case is a life sentence.  Hand the Defendant a life sentence for the death sentence he handed his 7-month old son.”

The jury concluded Nauck acted with the specific intent to kill or inflict great bodily injury upon his son and found him guilty of First Degree Murder.  Nauck’s sentencing is set for April 16, 2025.  The mandatory sentence for First Degree Murder is life imprisonment, without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. 

District Attorney Collin Sims would like to thank the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. Tammany Parish Hospital, the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office, the Department of Children and Family Services, the Child Advocacy Center, and Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans for all of their hard work and dedication in this case.

Handcuffed Getaway: Shoplifting Suspects Arrested in Slidell - Handcuffed - Escaped - One Caught After Ordering Lyft Ride-Share

On Wednesday (March 26, 2025), Slidell Police started investigating a multi-state shoplifting spree. During the investigation, officers located the suspects driving in the area after shoplifting from a nearby retailer. Officers initiated a traffic stop on the suspects, and as the vehicle pulled over, a passenger got out. Officers began placing the passenger in handcuffs, and as soon as the handcuffs went on, the driver took off in the vehicle while the passenger bolted on foot - STILL IN HANDCUFFS! The passenger was spotted getting into a Lyft ride-share vehicle several blocks away, arrested again, and taken to jail on felony theft and resisting charges.

The driver has managed to evade capture for the time being, but Louisiana State Police located the vehicle, which was unoccupied. 

Bogalusa Police Makes Arrest in Homicide of Franklinton Man

The Bogalusa Police Department reports that on Thursday (March 27, 2025), Officers with the Bogalusa Police Department located and arrested Jerry Charles Baker, Jr. on felony warrant charges of Second Degree Murder, Illegal Use Of Weapons, and Possession of Weapons by a Convicted Felon. 

This investigation stems from a shooting incident that occurred on January 2, 2025 in Bogalusa that ultimately resulted in the death of Ryan Simmons of Franklinton. After an extensive investigation, warrants were issued for Baker. 

Upon his arrest, Baker was reportedly in possession of a stolen firearm and legend drugs that resulted in additional charges. 

This matter will be forwarded to the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Obituary

Barbara McCann Welch

January 30, 1934 - March 24, 2025

District Attorney’s Office Expands Opioid Initiative

Press Release from District Attorney Collin Sims

Since its launch on July 8, 2024, the District Attorney’s Office has laid a strong foundation for the Opioid Initiative, a comprehensive effort aimed at combating the opioid epidemic through law enforcement collaboration and intelligence-sharing.  What began as a small team of consisting of an investigator with the District Attorney’s Office and two narcotics detectives in Slidell has rapidly expanded into a powerful coalition of agencies working together to dismantle drug networks and prevent overdose deaths.

“We knew from the beginning that addressing the opioid crisis would require a unified approach,” District Attorney Collin Sims stated.  “Today, we stand alongside multiple local, state, and federal partners, all committed to making our communities safer.”

The Opioid Initiative now includes:

• DEA FORT (Fentanyl Overdose Response Team)
• HSI (Homeland Security Investigations)
• Slidell Police Department
• Covington Police Department
• Pearl River Police Department
• Mandeville Police Department
• St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office
• Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office
• Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office
• Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office
• Louisiana State Police Region One Narcotics Task Force
• New Orleans Police Department’s Newly Formed Intelligence Group
• St. Tammany and Washington Parishes District Attorney’s Office

“The DEA‘s Fentanyl Overdose Response Team is committed to providing unwavering support to our partners and working tirelessly to bring justice for the victims of this devastating epidemic,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Paul Seale. “It’s through these collaborative efforts - leveraging the resources of multiple agencies - that we are seeing real progress on the Northshore and beyond.

Since October 2024, the initiative has yielded significant results, including 320,000 fentanyl pills seized in and around the St. Tammany area, along with 2 kilograms of pure fentanyl, over $425,000 in cash, 75 firearms, 2 kilograms of heroin, 3 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 600 oxycodone pills, 7000 tapentadol pills, 1 kilogram of cocaine, and various other illegal drugs.

Additionally, the initiative has played a critical role in the prosecution of overdose-related cases. 

• In December of 2024, a St. Tammany jury returned a conviction for 2nd Degree murder in the overdose death of a Covington High School student.  The defendant, Felicia Grantham, is set to be sentenced to life in prison on March 24th.  
• In January of 2025, a St. Tammany Parish Grand Jury returned an indictment of two individuals for the charge of Possession with the Intent to Distribute 250 grams or more of Fentanyl. If convicted, these individuals face a sentence of up to life in prison.  
• On March 18, 2025, the District Attorney’s Office secured an indictment of Dayon Dyson for 2nd Degree murder in the overdose death of Washington Parish School Board member, Frankie Crosby.  
• The initiative has also led to indictments in other jurisdictions: one at the federal level and another in the 21st Judicial District.

The District Attorney’s Office has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for opioid distribution related crimes. Drug dealers whose distribution results in fatal overdoses will face second-degree murder charges, as outlined in Louisiana law.

“We will not tolerate those who profit from the suffering of others,” stated Sims.  “If you distribute these deadly substances and someone dies as a result, we will pursue charges for second-degree murder.”

The expansion of the Opioid Initiative underscores the District Attorney’s Office’s unwavering commitment to fighting the opioid crisis. By bringing together multiple law enforcement agencies, sharing intelligence, and executing strategic operations, this coalition is making an undeniable impact in the region. 

“This is just the beginning,” said Sims. “We will continue to work aggressively, holding fentanyl traffickers accountable and seeking justice for families affected by this crisis.”

Ponchatoula Woman Convicted of Vehicular Homicide

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on March 25, 2025, 26-year-old Kendall Morris of Ponchatoula was found guilty of Vehicular Homicide, First degree vehicular negligent injuring and two counts of Vehicular negligent injuring after a judge trial before Judge Scott Gardner.  The defendant previously waived her right to a jury trial in the case.  Assistant District Attorneys Taylor Nicholson and Gary Tromblay prosecuted the case.  Deputies Ryan Moring and James Runyon with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Department led the investigation.

According to trial testimony, deputies with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office were dispatched shortly before midnight on January 13, 2024, to a single-car accident on Archie Singletary Road near Pearl River.  Upon arrival, deputies found an overturned Honda SUV partially in the roadway. It was determined there had been four passengers in the vehicle in addition to the driver.  Evidence on the scene indicated the driver lost control of the vehicle while attempting to navigate a curve in the roadway.  The vehicle left the roadway and struck several trees, causing the vehicle to flip upside down before coming to rest.  Three of the four passengers were ejected during the crash.  One of them, 36-year-old Jeremy Duncan, suffered fatal injuries.  The remaining three passengers and the driver, Kendall Morris, sustained non-fatal injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

During the trial, prosecutors introduced evidence that Morris was significantly impaired by alcohol at the time of the accident.  Tests conducted by the hospital during its treatment of Morris indicated her BAC was 0.27, more than three times the “legal limit” for operating a vehicle.  Additionally, deputies obtained a court order less than three hours after the accident authorizing law enforcement to take a blood draw from Morris.  That blood sample was later sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory in Baton Rouge for analysis.  The results indicated Morris had a BAC in excess of 0.20, consistent with the hospital’s test results.  

Throughout the trial, defense counsel asserted Morris was not the driver of the vehicle when the accident occurred and therefore was not guilty.  Prosecutors countered the defense’s claim by introducing various testimony and evidence.  One of the passengers testified that when the overturned vehicle came to a rest, Morris was still secured in the driver’s seat by her seatbelt and was suspended upside down.  Two passengers had to free Morris from her seatbelt before she could exit the vehicle.  Photographs taken of Morris at the hospital were introduced into evidence, depicting bruising across the defendant’s chest in a diagonal pattern consistent with the positioning of the driver’s seatbelt.  A DNA expert testified that blood stains collected from the driver’s airbag were tested and determined to contain DNA consistent with the defendant’s DNA profile.  Medical records reflected Morris told one of the treating physicians her last memory before the accident was of her driving the vehicle.  Furthermore, video from the body-worn camera of the deputy who interviewed Morris at the hospital after the accident was introduced during the trial.  In the video, Morris initially said “Sarah” was driving, then said “they” were driving and then conceded she was the driver.  Deputies confirmed there was no one named Sarah in the vehicle on the date of the incident.

Sentencing for Morris is set for April 23, 2025.  The penalty for Vehicular homicide is imprisonment for five to thirty years.  The penalty for First degree vehicular negligent injuring is imprisonment for up to five years and for Vehicular negligent injuring, the penalty is up to six months imprisonment.

Obituary

Jayvelyn Keyquone Smith

May 14, 2006 - March 19, 2025

Obituary

Wesley D. Taylor

July 8, 1949 – March 25, 2025

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 26-27, 2025

Angela Lott (age 50 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $500.00 bond.

Daria Magee (age 58 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Contempt of Court (4 counts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Inadequate Windshield, and Failure to Use Turn Signal by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $50740.00 bond.

Kelvin Thompson (age 24 with Tylertown, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear and Bond Surrender by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $25000.00.

Madison Cortez (age 26 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Russell Bonura (age 17 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft of Auto/Vehicle by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Trivual Batiste (age 55 with Rayne, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Amanda Carnegie (age 47 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (3rd + Offense), and Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Letesha Smith (age 29 with Osyka, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Bond Surrender, Contempt of Court, Armed Robbery With Firearm, Second Degree Kidnapping, Simple Escape, and Tampering With Electronic Monitoring Equipment. Bond set at $25000.00.

***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***

Today's Headlines from NPR News

Obituary

Edna Rose Langston

October 28, 1937 - March 26, 2025

Obituary

Donnis Strahan Lang

January 6, 1950 - March 26, 2025

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight   Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday   Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 10am. High near 77. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday Night   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 10 mph.