Bogalusa Police Updates Charges in Murder of Dominique James

On November 10, 2021, Derek Moss Jr. was charged with the Second Degree Murder of Dominique James and Juan Keys was charged as an Accessory After the Fact in the murder. Both Moss and Keys were already incarcerated in the Washington Parish Jail on Obstruction of Justice charges related to the disappearance and murder of Dominique James.

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After an eighteen month investigation into the May 3, 2020 disappearance and murder of Dominique James, detectives with the Bogalusa Police Department collected evidence that led to the establishment of probable cause for the arrest of Moss in the Shooting Death of James. Likewise, evidence led to probable cause for the arrest of Juan Keys as an Accessory After the Fact in the Murder of James. Both Moss and Keys were previously charged in the matter, with Obstruction of Justice, pending further investigation, for their part in the disposal of the body of Dominique James in a heavily wooded area west of Bogalusa.

The team of Detectives with the Bogalusa Police Department, have worked tirelessly to gather as much information and evidence in this case as possible, to award closure and justice for the family of Dominique James. This matter, which remains open for further evidence, will now be referred to District Attorney Warren Montgomery’s office for prosecution. Derek Moss, Jr., who is already a multiple convicted felony offender, if convicted of the Second Degree Murder of James, faces a life sentence without benefit of parole.

2nd Suspect Arrested in Dominique James Disappearance / Murder

As part of an ongoing extensive investigation, detectives with the Bogalusa Police Department

developed a second suspect in the case involving the disappearance and murder of Dominique James on May 2, 2020.

Detectives obtained forensic evidence, establishing that the telephone of Juan Keys traveled from the residence of Derek Moss Jr. (Arrested on June 19, 2020, in this matter) to the location where the body of Dominique James was disposed of, and where the vehicle belonging to James was abandoned in a heavily wooded area west of Bogalusa. The telephone then, after remaining there for several minutes, traveled back to the residence of Moss. This new forensic evidence supported facts that detectives had established earlier in the investigation, that more than one person was involved in the disposal of James’ body. Probable cause was established that Juan Keys, a close friend and cousin of Moss, may have knowledge relating to the murder of James. A warrant was sought for the arrest of Keys for Felony Obstruction of Justice.

On July 20, 2020, Juan Keys was arrested without incident, and charged with Felony Obstruction of Justice, in the matter of the disappearance and murder of Dominique James. Keys denied any involvement in the matter.

Source: Bogalusa Police Department Press Release

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Bogalusa Police Make Arrest in Murder of Dominique James

Today (June 19, 2020), after an extensive investigation into the disappearance and murder of

Dominique James, that took place on May 2, 2020, detectives with the Bogalusa Police Department arrested and charged Derek Moss, Jr. (age 29). Moss was charged with Felony Obstruction of Justice and being in Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

It was determined through GPS location data, cell phone text messaging, and multiple interviews, that Moss was in the area where the body of Dominique James was found, on the day James was murdered. The forensic analysis of Cell Tower information confirmed that Moss traveled from Bogalusa to the area west of Bogalusa, where James’ body was disposed of, remained there for approximately 17 minutes, then immediately returned to Bogalusa. It is believed that Moss took an active roll in the disposal of James’ body. Moss, being a prior convicted felon, was also found to have been in possession of a firearm, while detectives investigated the matter. It is not believed that the firearm was used in the murder of James.

Detectives are continuing the investigation, and further forensic evidence analysis remains pending at the crime lab. Detectives believe that Moss did not act alone, and are continuing to pursue leads in the case, to identify and charge all parties involved in the murder of James. It is believed that James was murdered at a location, other than the location where his vehicle and body were found, indicating that one perpetrator had to have driven the victim’s vehicle to the body dump site, while another perpetrator had to have picked up the driver of the victim’s vehicle, once it was hidden in the wooded area.

Derek Moss, Jr., who was already incarcerated in the Parish Jail in Franklinton, on a Probation and Parole violation, was served with the active warrants for his arrest, and booked into the Parish Jail on the charges of Obstruction of Justice and Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

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Obituary

Dominique Aundrell Ramon James
August 11, 1990 - May 02, 2020

Homicide Investigation Underway - Bogalusa Missing Person Apparently Found

On May 6, 2020, the Bogalusa Police Department issued a press release requesting the public's assistance in locating Dominique Audrell James (29) who had not been seen or heard from since May 2, 2020. In a Facebook post today (May 9, 2020), the Bogalusa Police Department extended their condolences to the family of Dominique James. The Facebook post further stated that “BPD Detectives will now change their efforts to a homicide investigation.”

The initial press release indicated that James had been traveling in a 2012 GMC Yukon Denali, White in Color, (LA Tag # C755106) towing a 5 X 8 lift gate utility trailer (LA Tag # L810719). James was believed to have been heading to an unknown location to pick up a four wheeler.

BPD expressed their thanks to the WPSO, the DEA, The Louisiana State Police, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Guard for their assistance in the search for James. BPD also asked that anyone with information leading to the arrest of those responsible call 985-732-6238 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

No further information is available at this time.

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Missing Bogalusa Man - Public's Help Requested

The Bogalusa Police Department, in a coordinated effort with surrounding agencies, is currently conducting an investigation into a Missing Person from the Bogalusa Area.

29-Year-Old Dominique Audrell James, African American Male, was last seen in Bogalusa on Saturday (May 2, 2020), around Noon, and has not been seen or heard from since. James was traveling in a 2012 GMC Yukon Denali, White in Color, towing a 5 X 8 lift gate utility trailer. James was believed to have been heading to an unknown location to pick up a four wheeler.

Detectives with the Bogalusa Police Department are asking for any assistance from the public, in locating James or his vehicle. If you have any knowledge of the whereabouts of Dominique James, or if you know where the vehicle may be, you may remain anonymous and contact the BPD at 985-732-6238, or you may contact Crimestoppers at 504-822-8111.

Obituary

William Adriel Brown

August 28, 1948 - February 12, 2025

Major Response Underway in Bogalusa Shooting

At a video-recorded press conference on Monday morning (May 18, 2020), a number of official

gathered to provide information and request assistance from the public in response to the shooting in Bogalusa Saturday night (May 16, 2020). A major response to the shooting is underway, enlisting the assistance of State and Federal agencies to assist the Bogalusa Police Department.

On Saturday night at approximately 9:12 p.m., Bogalusa Police Major Troy Tervalon has advised that BPD began receiving calls of gunshots in the area of Martin Luther King Drive and East 4th Street. Callers advised that several subjects had been shot and needed medical attention.

Upon arrival, Officers observed an extremely large crowd (that was later reported to have grown to between 500 and 800 persons) at what was believed to be a Memorial Service for Dominique James, who was recently found murdered. Officers located several victims with gunshot wounds and attempted to secure the scene. Officers requested assistance from Washington Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana Fire Marshals Office, Louisiana State Police, Varnado Police Department, Bogalusa Fire Department and Northshore EMS.

Officers determined that thirteen (13) had been shot, with one reported to be in critical condition. No deaths have resulted and no motive for the shooting or suspects have been identified. Major Tervalon reported that no eyewitnesses had come forth with any information.

Washington Parish Sheriff Randy “Country” Seal stated in a Facebook post, “These shootings must cease. Any person who has information about this shooting or the shooters should contact the Bogalusa Police Department immediately. It is essential that witnesses come forward in situation like this; otherwise, such street crimes of violence will continue. If the community is going to know peace, the shooters must be captured and jailed. Bogalusa Police Department Chief Kendall Bullen and his officers work diligently to solve all crimes and I have full confidence in their ability and desire to solve this senseless shooting.”

During the press conference, the following was emphasized:

• the large gathering of people was monitored by BPD but BPD had an insufficient number of officers to manage the situation that was characterized as “chaos”
• no permit was given for the gathering
• Mayor Wendy Perrette, Sheriff Seal, and other authorities encouraged that the community come forward with information

The Bogalusa Police Department requests that anyone with information call 985.732.3611 or 985.732.6240.

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Raymond Leo Magee
July 13, 2001 - November 21, 2018

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Donald Lewis Ishman

September 27, 1988 - April 22, 2022

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Delores Harry Mingo

November 7, 1936 - September 23, 2022

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Jo Jane Bond Magee Kern

December 8, 1928 - October 22, 2022