Slidell Woman Pleads Guilty to Medicaid Fraud

Attorney General Liz Murrill's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit secured a guilty plea in the case of 46-year-old Tasha Hayes of Dunkirk Street in Slidell on January 9, 2026. Hayes pled guilty as charged in the 22nd JDC to 3 Counts La. R.S. 14:70.1 Medicaid Fraud.

Hayes was arrested back on September 11, 2025 for intentionally defrauding the Louisiana Medicaid Program by causing the presentation, for payment, false or fraudulent claims for providing medical services or knowingly and intentionally submitted false information in order to obtain greater compensation than that which was legally authorized for furnishing service.

She used a fake driver’s license and Social Security Number to falsify her identity in an effort to conceal a prior felony conviction in order to gain employment with several Medicaid providers, in violation of La. R.S. 40:1203.3 and La. R.S. 14:70.1. During their investigation, MFCU agents discovered that Hayes had a 2019 conviction for Second degree battery, which she failed to disclose.

Hayes was sentenced to three (3) years in the Department of Corrections, suspended and placed on two (2) years of probation with standard conditions as well as special conditions of $42,568.95 restitution, $5,000 cost of prosecution, credit for any time served, to run concurrent. 

This arrest and conviction resulted from an investigation by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit with the LA Department of Justice. 

77 Year-Old Slidell Man arrested by AG Murrill's LBI

Agents with Attorney General Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested 77-year-old Dennis Kenneth Canzonire of Slidell on January 13, 2026. Canzonire is charged with Possession of) Child Sexual Abuse Material under the Age of Thirteen (5 counts).

Agents initially got a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

This arrest was a result of a joint investigation with The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) Cyber Crime Unit, the 22nd JDC ICAC Task Force, the Covington Police Department and the Slidell Police Department.

Upon arrest, Canzonire was transported to the Slidell City Jail for booking and then transported to the St. Tammany Parish Jail. Bond has been set at $150,000.00. 

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

Pearl River Man Found Guilty of Attempted Murder in Slidell Beach Stabbing

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on January 15, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found Joshua Michael Delaughter, age 31 and of Pearl River, guilty of Attempted Second Degree Murder. The proceedings were held in the 22nd Judicial District Court, Division C, before the Honorable Richard A. Swartz. The conviction follows a violent stabbing that occurred in the summer of 2023 at North Beach in Slidell, Louisiana.

On the night of August 13, 2023, deputies with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO) responded to reports of a stabbing at the beach on Carr Drive. Upon arrival, deputies located the victim, Michael Deleon, suffering from eight stab and laceration wounds to his head, neck, and torso.

The investigation revealed the incident began when Delaughter nearly backed his vehicle into a car belonging to another beach patron. Witnesses testified that DeLeon simply tapped on Delaughter’s vehicle to alert him of the near collision. Following a brief verbal exchange, Delaughter exited his vehicle, walked around his vehicle and attacked Deleon with a knife. Delaughter remained at the scene and admitted to the stabbing but claimed he acted in self-defense. However, witness testimony and the extent of the victim’s injuries – which required emergency treatment at University Medical Center in New Orleans – contradicted those claims.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Christina Fisher and Shelby Stoop. During closing arguments, ADA Fisher highlighted the excessive nature of the defendant’s actions.

“If stabbing someone in the neck, head, and torso – 8 times – is not attempted murder, I don’t know what is,” Fisher told the jury. “Mr. Delaughter kept stabbing. Eight times is too many. It was a deliberate act that was not reasonable and was not self-defense.”

“This verdict reflects our commitment to removing violent offenders from our streets,” said District Attorney Collin Sims. “A minor verbal dispute does not grant anyone the right to resort to near-fatal violence. I am grateful to the jury for their service and to my team for ensuring that this defendant is held fully accountable under the law.”

Joshua Michael Delaughter was convicted of Attempted Second Degree Murder and will remain in the custody of the STPSO. While the standard sentencing range for this charge is 10 to 50 years at hard labor without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence, Delaughter’s prior criminal history may impact the final penalty. Because Delaughter is a multiple violent offender, the State may seek to enhance the penalty under the Habitual Offender Statute. If adjudicated as a triple offender, he faces a mandatory life sentence. Judge Richard A. Swartz has scheduled the sentencing hearing for February 25, 2026.

Slidell Man Sentenced to 50 Years Following Fentanyl and Cocaine Related Death of 2-Year-Old Niece

District Attorney Collin Sims announces that on January 15, 2026, Christopher Mikhail Baker, age 33 and of Slidell, was sentenced to 50 years in prison following a plea agreement. The proceedings took place in the 22nd Judicial District Court, Division D, before the Honorable John A. Keller. The sentencing follows the January 2024 death of Baker’s two-year-old niece and the severe neglect of his one-year-old nephew.

Click here for previous related stories

On January 7, 2024, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO) deputies responded to a 911 call regarding an unresponsive child at a residence in Slidell, Louisiana. Baker had been babysitting his niece, Ryah Young (2), and his nephew, Rashad Young Jr. (1), since January 5th.

Baker claimed he discovered the toddler unresponsive shortly before 2:00 p.m., yet emergency services were not alerted until 2:19 p.m. Ryah Young was pronounced dead at the hospital; a toxicology report later confirmed the cause of death as drug toxicity after testing positive for fentanyl and cocaine.

Medical examinations of the one-year-old brother, Rashad, revealed he also tested positive for cocaine and was suffering from a liver contusion, eye contusion, and internal injuries. A search of the home uncovered baggies and straws containing fentanyl and cocaine residue, along with a .45 caliber firearm. In recorded jail calls, Baker referred to the incident as a “freak accident,” suggesting the children had “ate one.”

Prior to the formal sentencing, the victims’ mother addressed the court and the defendant. “My children loved you Chris…they loved their Uncle Juice,” she stated through her grief. “They took my daughter and almost took my son. He has a son. At least he has a son to talk to.”

Following the impact statement, Judge John A. Keller asked the defendant if he wished to make a statement to the victim’s family. Baker elected to say nothing.

The case was handled by Assistant District Attorneys Iain Dover and Christina Fisher. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Baker pleaded guilty to the following charges: Manslaughter, Second Degree Cruelty to Juveniles, Possession of Fentanyl, Possession of Cocaine, and Illegal Carrying of Weapons while in Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance

Pursuant to the plea, Baker was sentenced to a total of 50 years at hard labor.

“The death of a child is an unimaginable tragedy, made even more heinous by the fact that it was entirely preventable,” said District Attorney Collin Sims. “Fentanyl is a poison that continues to devastate families in our community. This defendant’s choice to keep lethal narcotics within reach of helpless children is a level of negligence that demands the highest level of accountability. While no sentence can bring Ryah back, today’s 50-year term ensures that Mr. Baker is held fully responsible for the life he took and the child he endangered.”

District Attorney Sims would like to extend a special thanks to Detective Winston Harbin of the STPSO. Detective Harbin’s thorough and dedicated investigative work was instrumental in building the case and ensuring that justice was served for these two young victims.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 14-15, 2026

Charles Verda (age 51 with Lacombe, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Franklinton Police Department. Released January 15, 2026.

David Sandifer (age 30 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released January 15, 2026.

Anna Jones (age 28 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court and on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jared Coffin (age 31 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving During Darkness With Parking Lights, No License Plate, No Proof of Insurance, No Turn Signals, No Seat Belt, Expired or No Inspection Sticker, Possession of Firearm With Obliterated Serial Number, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Attempted Introduction of Contraband to Penal Institute, and Driving With Suspended License Due to Previous DUI or Other by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Demontez Martin (age 29 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Kendra Gallo (age 31 with New Orleans, 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.

Oscar Combs (age 43 with Hazar, Ky. address) was booked on the charges of No License Plate, Aggravated Flight From An Officer, Aggravated Obstruction of Commerce/Roadway, and No Proof of Insurance by the Franklinton Police Depart. No bond set at this time.

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

Obituary

Gary Brendon Holloway

September 23, 1944 - January 13, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Widespread frost, mainly before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 68. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tonight   A 40 percent chance of showers between 10pm and 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight. 

Saturday   Partly sunny, with a high near 54. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. North wind around 5 mph.

Sunday   Sunny, with a high near 49. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night   Widespread frost after 4am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 29. Calm wind.

Troy Scott Jordan Indicted for 2017 Murder of Donna Arceneaux

District Attorney Collin Sims has announced that on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) a Washington Parish Grand Jury officially indicted Troy Scott Jordan, age 59 and of Franklinton, for the murder of Donna Arceneaux on October 23, 2017. The indictment formally charges Jordan with one count of Second-Degree Murder. 

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty

Jordan was previously arrested on December 23, 2025, following a renewed and intensive investigation led by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Editor's note: Just before midnight on October 23, 2017, the body of 40-year-old Donna Smith Arceneaux was found in her Franklinton, LA home with a fatal gunshot wound to her lower left breast. Investigations into her death has been a “roller-coaster”, culminating in this indictment. And it may not be over yet. There is much more to learn. 

Click here for previous related stories and links providing additional background

“This indictment is a vital step in our pursuit of justice for Donna Arceneaux and her loved ones,” said District Attorney Collin Sims. “It reinforces our message that the passage of time does not diminish our resolve. Our Cold Case Unit, working alongside our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in seeking the truth and holding offenders accountable, no matter how long the case has remained unsolved.”

The prosecution of this matter will be led by Chief of Trials Doug Freese and Assistant District Attorney Tiffany Dover.

The successful advancement of this case was made possible through the diligent investigative work of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Jason Smith and investigators Fred Oswald and Jimmy Richard, with additional technical support from the Louisiana State Police and the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office.

District Attorney Sims continues to prioritize the review of regional cold cases, utilizing modern forensic technology and dedicated legal resources to bring closure to families across the 22nd Judicial District.

Chance of Snow This Weekend?

Click the image for a clearer view

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Widespread frost between 8am and 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 50. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light northwest in the afternoon.

Tonight   Widespread frost after 9pm. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 28. Calm wind.

Friday   Widespread frost, mainly before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 66. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Friday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. South wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.

Saturday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night   A 20 percent chance of rain showers before 9pm, then a slight chance of snow showers between 9pm and midnight. Widespread frost after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 28. North wind around 5 mph. 

Arrest Made After Pearl River Water Tower Incident

The Pearl River Police reports that on Tuesday (January 13, 2026) around 5:00PM, Pearl River Police responded to the Town of Pearl River water tower on 7th Street after reports of an individual entering a secured area and climbing the water tower.

PRPD Officers, along with officers from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, Pearl River Fire Department, and Slidell Police Department worked together and, after negotiations, the individual was convinced to come down and was taken into custody without incident.

The individual was charged with Criminal Trespass, Terrorizing, Communications Interference, Possession of a Firearm with a Controlled and Dangerous Substance, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled and Dangerous Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Sawed-Off Shotgun. He was transported to and booked at the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.

Reporting by wwltv.com identifies the individual as 30 year-old Clayton Brown.

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

Out of an abundance of caution, the Town of Pearl River temporarily shut down water tower operations, which resulted in a boil water advisory, as it was unknown if the water supply had been tampered with. 

The Pearl River Police Department thanks our partners at the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Pearl River Fire Department, Slidell Police Department, Slidell Fire Department, and the Town of Pearl River Water Department for their assistance and teamwork.

WP Government Offices Closed Jan. 19th / Landfill to Remain Open

In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington Parish Government Offices will be closed on Monday, January 19th. 

The Choctaw Landfill will remain open for normal operations.

25 Year-Old Sentenced to 25 Years in St. Tammany

District Attorney Collin Sims announced Tuesday (January 13, 2026) that Yantrel Tyner (also known as Yantrel McCartney), age 25 and of Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced to 25 years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to a litany of narcotics and obstruction charges. Following the plea and sentencing, Tyner was immediately remanded to the custody of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office to begin serving her sentence.

The conviction is the result of a high-intensity investigation by the 22nd JDC Opioid Initiative into a fentanyl distribution network operating out of a local apartment complex. The case was handled by Assistant District Attorney Iain Dover.

As part of the plea agreement, Tyner pleaded guilty to the charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute less than 28 grams of Fentanyl, Distribution of less than 28 grams of Fentanyl, Possession of less than 2 grams of Fentanyl, Possession of less than 2 grams of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Amphetamine), Prohibited Acts, Drug Paraphernalia, Obstruction of Justice by Tampering with Evidence, and Possession of Marijuana (14 grams or less).

The investigation began in late September 2024, after a concerned citizen reported suspicious drug activity at The Retreat at Fremaux Town Center apartments in Slidell, Louisiana. Surveillance conducted by detectives confirmed that Tyner and her associate were meeting customers near the apartment and the complex pool to conduct hand-to-hand transactions.

During the investigation, law enforcement intercepted a vehicle leaving the complex and recovered 26 fentanyl pills. Post-arrest statements and digital evidence directly linked Tyner to the sale of “blue” fentanyl pills.

On October 16, 2024, a traffic stop was initiated on Tyner, during which she admitted to concealing contraband and voluntarily surrendered a bag of fentanyl pills. A subsequent search of her apartment led to the recovery of over 400 grams of suspected fentanyl (thousands of “M-30” pills) in a closet, along with an additional 43.69 grams in the kitchen and various Schedule II amphetamines.

In a separate incident involving a shooting at a Shady Lane residence, Tyner attempted to derail the investigation by lying to detectives about the location of a rental vehicle used to move evidence from the scene. Law enforcement eventually tracked the vehicle and discovered marijuana during a search of her home.

This was a joint investigation conducted by the Slidell Police Department’s Narcotics Division and the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office Opioid Initiative, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT) and Louisiana State Police.

“This 25-year sentence sends a clear message that distributing fentanyl in our community will carry heavy consequences,” said District Attorney Collin Sims. “Through the 22nd JDC Opioid Initiative, we are focused on removing these lethal drugs from our streets. I want to thank the citizens who spoke up and the officers who worked tirelessly to bring this case to a close.”

Two Indicted on Murder Charges in St. Tammany Parish

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that a St. Tammany Parish Grand Jury has indicted two individuals in two separate and unrelated violent crime cases. The indictments include charges of First Degree Murder and Second Degree Murder stemming from incidents occurring in October 2025. Both cases are being handled by Assistant District Attorney Jay Adair.

State of Louisiana v. Davahn Alec Profit

The Grand Jury indicted Davahn Alec Profit, age 21 and of Covington, Louisiana, on the charge of First Degree Murder. The charge follows an investigation into an incident occurring on or about October 22, 2025. Profit is accused of the murder of a victim identified by the initials J.H., a child born in 2021. Under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:30, a First Degree Murder charge may be sought in cases where the victim is under the age of twelve.

State of Louisiana v. Donsha Dupre Portis

In a separate case, the Grand Jury indicted Donsha Dupre Portis, age 17 and of Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, on charges relating to a violent incident on October 15, 2025. The counts include: Count 1: Second Degree Murder – For the death of Chancelor Parker and Count 2: Attempted Second Degree Murder – For the attempted murder of a victim identified by the initials G.N. (born in 2004). Portis, though 17 years of age, has been indicted as an adult in accordance with Louisiana law regarding specific violent felonies.

Following these indictments, both defendants will be scheduled for formal arraignment in the 22nd Judicial District Court, where they will enter their pleas before the court.

“The Grand Jury’s decision to indict in these cases is a critical step in our pursuit of justice for the victims and their families,” said District Attorney Collin Sims. “The loss of life, particularly that of a young child, is a tragedy that our office takes with the utmost seriousness. We will proceed diligently to hold those responsible accountable under the law.”

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 13, 2026

Jacob Varnado (age 32 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of
Marijuana, Possession of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts), and Careless Operation With Accident by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jamichael Spikes (age 23 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Protective Order Violation by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Douglas Carter (age 55 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Careless Operation With Accident, Convicted Felon in Possession of Certain Knives, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Switched License Plates, No Insurance, Possession of Burglary Tools, Driving Under Suspension, No Seat Belt, Possession of Stolen Things Under 1000, Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, and Contempt of Court. Incomplete Bond Information.

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

Obituary

Willene Graves Magee Creel

September 10, 1935 - January 12, 2026

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 before 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Tonight   Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 30. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday   Sunny, with a high near 49. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light northwest in the afternoon.

Thursday Night   Widespread frost after 9pm. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 27. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Friday   Widespread frost, mainly before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 65. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.

Narcotics Investigation in Magnolia, MS Results in Arrest

The Pike County Sheriff's Office reports that on January 6, 2026, PCSO's SRT along with PCSO's Gang Unit executed a search warrant at the residence of Ricky B. Wells in the City of Magnolia. The search warrant was part of an on-going narcotics investigation and resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,635 grams of suspected Cocaine, 110 grams of suspected Methamphetamine, and approximately 88 dosage units of suspected Suboxone. A firearm was found in close proximity to the suspected narcotics. 

Wells was charged with one count of Aggravated Trafficking in Controlled Substance, one count of Trafficking in Controlled Substances, and one count of Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance.

This is an on-going investigation and all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Going "Above & Beyond" by a Washington Parish Native

Lt. Bret Miller is a Washington Parish native and son of Denver Miller, grandson of Carruth and Junie Belle Miller. Bret and his family now reside in Abita Springs. Bret is following in the footsteps of his Dad and Grandpa, both career law enforcement officers. Proud of him!

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 12, 2026

Matthew Slade (age 51 with Poplarville, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of
Schedule II Drugs, Resisting an Officer, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, False Personation of a Peace Officer, and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Robert Allen (age 47 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary and Resisting an Officer (3 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Kimberly Jackson (age 34 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Assault by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

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

Obituary

Ann Nell Keating Cooksey

July 18, 1947 - January 11, 2026

Covington Man (Captured in Kentwood) Found Guilty of Murder in Lacombe

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on January 8, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found 27-year-old Marrio Haynes, Jr. of Covington, Louisiana guilty on all counts related to the 2023 shooting death of 23-year-old Juwarren Martin. Following a trial in the 22nd Judicial District Court before Judge Vincent J. Lobello, Haynes was convicted of Second Degree Murder, Obstruction of Justice by Tampering with Evidence/Death or Life Proceeding, and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies.

Click here for previous related stories

“This was a calculated act of violence that ended a young life at a local place of business,” District Attorney Collin Sims said following the verdict. “The defendant chose to escalate a verbal grievance into a deadly ambush. I am proud of the work of my Assistant District Attorneys and our partners in law enforcement for ensuring that Mr. Haynes is held fully accountable. Our thoughts remain with the family of Juwarren Martin, and we hope this verdict brings them a measure of peace.”

The incident occurred on the evening of December 26, 2023. According to evidence presented at trial, the conflict began earlier that day when the victim’s sister and Haynes’ girlfriend, Megan Ayanna Coleman, engaged in a physical fight at a tobacco store in Abita Springs, Louisiana. Less than two hours later, the victim was at the Sunny Times gas station in Lacombe when a black Hyundai Elantra, driven by Coleman, pulled into the station. Haynes exited the vehicle armed with an AR-15 style rifle, boldly advanced toward Martin, and fired a single shot into Martin’s torso from behind.  Witnesses testified that Haynes declared his intent to kill Martin moments before firing the fatal shot. Haynes then fled on foot with the rifle, before being picked up by Megan Coleman in the same vehicle a short distance away.

Sergeant Hayden Folse with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO) led the investigation. Detectives utilized eyewitness identifications and surveillance footage from “Bayou Stuf,” Sunny Times gas station, the Abita Springs tobacco store and a Shell station in Folsom, Louisiana to track the vehicle and defendants. Coleman was arrested on the same night as the homicide in Folsom, Louisiana. Haynes was captured by the United States Marshals Service (USMS) two months later at a trailer belonging to Coleman’s father in Kentwood. Coleman was also arrested at that time for harboring Haynes. Investigations revealed Haynes was a convicted felon at the time of the murder, having been previously convicted of Simple Burglary in 2017.

At trial, multiple eyewitnesses to the homicide testified and positively identified Haynes as the person who killed Juwarren Martin. Coleman’s testimony was also compelled where she positively identified Haynes as the person who exited her car and approached the victim. Coleman also admitted to looking for the victim and his sister immediately after the earlier fight to seek revenge.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Tiffany Dover and Shelby Stoop.

Haynes’ co-defendant, Megan Ayanna Coleman, age 23 and of Covington, is charged with Principal to Second Degree Murder and Obstruction of Justice. She is scheduled to be tried separately in April of this year. Under the law, Coleman is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Sentencing for Haynes is scheduled to take place on January 26, 2026. Under Louisiana law, a conviction for Second Degree Murder carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment at hard labor without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Widespread frost, mainly before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Calm wind.

Tonight   A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly between midnight and 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Wednesday   Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday   Sunny, with a high near 48. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday Night   Widespread frost after 9pm. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 27. Calm wind.

Obituary

Ronald "Ronnie" Craig Crain

March 6, 1952 - January 10, 2026

Obituary

Rawlin Robert "Bob" Stewart

December 10, 1947 - January 9, 2026

Obituary

Jan Marie LaBorde

May 12, 1960 - January 11, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 10-11, 2026

Mark Mizell (age 53 with Covington, La. address) was booked on the charges of Prohibited Acts/Schedule II, No Taillight on Bicycle, and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $12500.00.

Linzie Scott (age 51 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Careless Operation, Open Container in Vehicle, Possession of Marijuana, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility, Driving While Intoxicated, and Proper Equipment Required by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $4000.00 bond.

Krisean Brown (age 26 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Principal to Criminal Damage, Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, Drivers License Not on Person, Expired License Plate, No Insurance, Failure to Appear, and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $13500.00.

Latia Myers (age 27 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, Aggravated Assault, and Contempt of Court. Bond set at $6267.00.

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

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Widespread frost before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 53. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Tonight   Widespread frost, mainly after 1am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 31. Calm wind.

Tuesday   Widespread frost, mainly before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Calm wind.

Tuesday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Wednesday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Obituary

Ellen Jacqueline "Jackie" Ott Dobie

October 26, 1937 - January 10, 2026

Obituary

Patricia Freeman Watts

December 3, 1970 - January 3, 2026

Obituary

Dollie Cidette Sheridan Hobgood

November 19, 1936 - January 5, 2026

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 56. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight   Widespread frost, mainly after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 32. North wind around 5 mph.

Monday   Widespread frost, mainly before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.

Monday Night   Widespread frost, mainly after 2am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Calm wind.

Tuesday   Widespread frost before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Calm wind.

Tuesday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 9, 2026

Rickey Shoemaker (age 67 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Improper Turn/Accident, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. Released on $7500.00 bond.

Michael Eady (age 41 with Brookhaven, Ms. address) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Darren Mingo (age 24 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Speed Restrictions, Improper Lane Usage, Hit and Run, Aggravated Flight From an Officer, and Careless Operation With Accident by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $150000.00.

Antony Bonura (age 22 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Resisting an Officer/Flight on Foot by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2500.00.

Alana Russell (age 33 with Brookhaven, Ms. address) booked on the charges of Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, Threatening a Public Official, Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness, Entry/Remain on Premises After Being Forbidden, and Resisting an Officer by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3500.00.

Antonetta Brown (age 35 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Battery of a Dating Partner/Aggravated Battery (2 counts) and Protective Order Violation (2nd or Subsequent Violation) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

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

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a temperature rising to near 71 by noon, then falling to around 64 during the remainder of the day. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight   Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 41. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Sunday   Sunny, with a high near 57. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night   Widespread frost, mainly after 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. North wind around 5 mph.

Monday   Widespread frost, mainly before 7am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 55. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Monday Night   Widespread frost, mainly after 3am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Calm wind.