Monica Louisa Williams
November 10, 1974 - December 31, 2025
January 21, 2026
MS Man Captured After 2-Yr. Abducted in Slidell
Orlando Gillum, age 53 and of Mississippi, is in custody after abducting a 2-year-old child, following
a domestic incident in Slidell.
Slidell Police responded last week to a reported domestic disturbance at a residence in the Slidell area. Upon arrival, officers learned that Gillum was involved in a domestic incident with his significant other. As a result of the incident, an adult female, and an infant child, sustained multiple bite wounds.
Following the incident, Gillum took his significant other’s vehicle and fled the scene while a 2-year-old child was still buckled inside. The 2-year-old was later determined not to be related to Gillum.
Slidell Police immediately began working to locate Gillum and determined that he traveled to the Picayune, Mississippi area. With assistance from the Picayune Police Department and the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office, Gillum was located hiding near a residence in Picayune, and was taken into custody without incident. At the time of his arrest, the vehicle and the 2-year-old child were not with him. Within moments, Picayune Police officers located the vehicle abandoned several blocks away, and thankfully found the 2-year-old child safe.
Gillum, who has a lengthy violent criminal history, is being charged with Aggravated Kidnapping of a Child, Domestic Abuse Battery - Child Endangerment, and Cruelty to a Juvenile.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
All involved victims were transported to local hospitals for evaluation.
The Slidell Police Department would like to thank the Picayune Police Department, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police for their swift assistance. Their coordinated efforts were instrumental in safely taking a violent offender into custody and quickly locating the abducted child, ensuring the child was brought to safety. This incident highlights the importance of strong interagency cooperation in protecting our communities and the most vulnerable among us.
**Note** Officials were in the process of preparing to send an Amber Alert, but the child was located before the need to send the alert.
Reduce Your Home Fire Risk
.jpg)
The Home Fire That Happens “Somewhere Else” Is Every 96 Seconds—Make Sure It Isn’t In Yours
The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM), in collaboration with the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM), is urging every household to take part in Community Risk Reduction Week (January 19-25, 2026), by doing what works best: reducing risk before there’s an emergency.
“Home fires are not random tragedies; they’re often predictable and preventable,” Michael Desrochers, NASFM president and Vermont state fire marshal said. “During Community Risk Reduction Week, we’re asking every American to take a few simple actions that can make the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2024 alone, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 329,500 home structure fires, which caused 2,920 deaths, 8,920 injuries, and $11.4 billion in property damage. On average, a home fire was reported every 96 seconds, and a home fire death happened every three hours. So far in 2026, Louisiana has seen nine lives lost to home fires.
What starts home fires and what to do about it
1) Cooking: the #1 cause of home fires
- Cooking was the leading cause of home fires across the country.
- Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling. If you leave, turn appliances off.
- Keep combustibles like towels, paper products, packaging, and curtains away from the stove.
- If a small grease fire starts, slide a lid over the pan and turn off the heat. Don’t move the pan and do not use water.
2) Heating: peak season risk (and space heaters are the danger zone)
- The National Fire Protection Association reports an annual average of 37,365 home heating equipment fires (2020–2024) causing 417 deaths and $1.2 billion in damage. Space heaters and heating stoves were involved in 47% of these fires but accounted for 73% of deaths.
- Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, and furnaces.
- Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
3) Electrical problems: another top cause of home fires
- In 2023, an estimated 23,700 home fires, and 305 deaths were caused by an electrical malfunction and fire.
- Replace damaged cords; don’t run cords under rugs or furniture.
- Plug high-heat appliances directly into a wall outlet, avoid “daisy-chaining” power strips, and never plug a space heater into an extension cord.
4) Smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: the simplest step with the biggest payoff
- National Fire Protection Association research finds nearly three out of five home fire deaths (59%) happened in homes with no smoke alarms (43%) or alarms that failed to operate (16%). When alarms work, the risk of dying in a home fire drops by about 60%.
- Test every alarm once a month.
- Replace batteries (or the whole alarm if it’s expired, many are designed to last about 10 years).
- Make sure alarms are installed in the right locations (including sleeping areas and outside bedrooms) and follow the manufacturers’ instructions.
NASFM recommends every household complete these quick steps during Community Risk Reduction Week:
- 1. Test smoke alarms; fix or replace any that don’t sound.
- 2. Create a 3-foot safety zone around heaters and cooking areas.
- 3. Set a cooking rule: “If the stove is on, someone is in the kitchen.
- 4. Make sure space heaters are plugged directly into a wall outlet.
- 5. Practice a home escape plan with two ways out of each room.
About the National Association of State Fire Marshals
The National Association of State Fire Marshals is the nation’s leading organization representing state fire marshals and fire safety officials. The organization works to protect lives, property, and communities through fire prevention leadership, code and standards advocacy, and risk-reduction strategies.
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, with sprinkles between noon and 1pm, then showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly between 4am and 5am. Cloudy, with a low around 54. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Thursday A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Thursday Night A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Calm wind.
Friday A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Light northeast wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Friday Night A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 40. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
January 20, 2026
Michael J. Cochran Announces Candidacy for District Court Judge
Covington, LA — Republican Michael J. Cochran, a Marine Corps veteran, former New Orleans Police Department detective, prosecutor, and practicing attorney, has announced his candidacy for District Court Judge of the 22nd Judicial District, Division I.
“Having served as a Marine, law enforcement officer, prosecutor, and defense attorney, I’ve seen our justice system from every angle,” said Cochran. “I’m running for judge because I believe our community deserves a court that is fair, accountable, and grounded in integrity, one that faithfully applies the law, protects the rights of the innocent, supports victims, and contributes to safe and orderly neighborhoods through consistent and impartial decisionmaking. Every person who comes before the bench deserves to be heard, respected, and treated justly, with decisions guided by the facts, the law, and the pursuit of justice.”
After enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1998, Cochran deployed to Iraq in 2003. Following his military service, Cochran continued his commitment to public safety with the New Orleans Police Department, where he worked as both an officer and detective in specialized units including narcotics, vice, and homicide.
Cochran later served as a felony prosecutor with the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, gaining firsthand experience in courtroom litigation and the responsibility of seeking justice on behalf of victims and the community. He currently operates a private law practice in Covington. His work as a defense attorney has further shaped his belief in fairness, preparation, and respect for due process.
A lifelong conservative Republican, Cochran says his campaign is rooted in the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment, principles he pledges to uphold as a judge. He believes the role of the court is to apply the law impartially, protect constitutional rights, and maintain public trust in the justice system.
The 22nd Judicial District includes St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. Election Day is November 3, 2026. For more information about Michael Cochran and his campaign for District Court Judge, visit www.VoteMichaelCochran.com
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, mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
Wednesday A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night A 60 percent chance of showers, mainly after 9pm. Cloudy, with a low around 51. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Thursday Night A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
January 19, 2026
Three From Hammond Killed in West Baton Rouge Parish Crash
Shortly before 4:00 a.m. on January 19, 2026, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A responded to a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 eastbound near milepost 144 in West Baton Rouge Parish. The crash claimed the lives of 20-year-old Kelvanisha Stanley, 19-year-old Kareem Felder, and 20-year-old Jacoby Brumfield, all of Hammond, Louisiana.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Stanley was driving a 2025 Kia K4 eastbound on Interstate 10 in the right lane near milepost 144. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle crossed the left lane, entered the center median, and struck several trees. The vehicle subsequently became fully engulfed in flames.
Stanley, along with passengers Kareem Felder and Jacoby Brumfield, all suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased on the scene. Due to the severity of the crash, seat belt usage and impairment are unknown at this time. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make responsible choices when driving: avoid impairment, fatigue, and distractions. Follow traffic laws and ensure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained. While not all crashes are preventable, simple precautions like these can save lives.
Discovery Channel's 120 Hours Behind Bars is Tonight at 8:00 PM
From the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office
Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. to watch the premiere of 120 Hours Behind Bars on the Discovery Channel.
Over five intense days, 120 Hours Behind Bars delivers an unfiltered look inside America’s toughest jails, where officers are outnumbered, cellblocks are overcrowded, and violence erupts without warning.
In the season premiere, Louisiana's Washington Parish Jail is over-capacity and on the brink of spiraling into chaos. The new sheriff and his deputies struggle to bring stability and control in the face of a crumbling facility.
Join the conversation on social media by following the Discovery Channel on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for more updates.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 17-18, 2026
Vaterraniqual Fortenberry (age 26 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Expired
License Plate, Open Container in Vehicle, Simple Battery With Injury, Criminal Damage to Property Under 1000, Criminal Trespass, and Contempt of Court by the Franklinton Police Department. Released on $3250.00 bond.
Leslie Davis (age 36 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Domestic Abuse Assault and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Rhonda Brown (age 34 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Criminal Damage to Property Under 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Bernard Morrison (age 28 with Slidell, La. address) was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, Driving Under Suspension, No Proof of Insurance, Ran Red Light, Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, Careless Operation, Improper Lane Usage, and Failure to Provide Proper Info by the Franklinton Police Department. 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.
M.L.King Day Widespread frost before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 58. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Tonight Widespread frost between 2am and 3am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 30. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Wednesday A 30 percent chance of showers after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 61. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night A 60 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 48. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
January 18, 2026
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today Widespread frost before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 46. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight Clear, with a low around 28. Calm wind.
M.L.King Day Sunny, with a high near 58. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night Widespread frost after 1am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 28. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Widespread frost before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night Areas of frost between 2am and 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Calm wind.
January 17, 2026
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for January 16, 2026
James Taylor (age 49 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by
Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.
Jastin Bigelow (age 22 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation. No bond set at this time.
Jaquarez Tyson (age 21 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simpl Burglary and Simple Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Brett Moore (age 71 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Brake Lights and Turn Signal Required/Two, Improper Lane Usage, Driving With Suspended License Due to Previous DWI or Other, Switched License Plates, and Failure to Transfer Registration by the Franklinton Police Department. 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 Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 29. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Sunny, with a high near 48. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night Widespread frost after 4am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 28. Calm wind.
M.L.King Day Sunny, with a high near 58. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 27. North wind around 5 mph.
January 16, 2026
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***
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.
January 15, 2026
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)