March 30, 2023
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 29, 2023
Tiffany Courville (age 23 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Cruelty to a
Juvenile(s) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Samantha Creekkiller (age 42 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Cruelty to a Juvenile (2 counts), Illegal Use of CDS in Presence of Person Under 17 YOA (2 counts), Contributing to Delinquency of a Juvenile (2 counts), and Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Lonell Burton (age 60 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (3 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $80738.00.
Don Bates (age 18 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Phoenix Martin (age 18 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Simple Burglary by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Madisyn Mitchell (age 25 with Picayune, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Theft 5000-25000 and Theft 25000 or More by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Luther Patterson (age 54 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Christopher Magee (age 38 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment and Attempted Theft Over 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Robert Crain (age 71 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of 1st Degree Rape With Victim Under 13 YRS Old and Pornography Involving Juvenile(s) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Jamichael Spikes (age 20 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Bobby Brock (age 42 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Frank Maisano (age 35 with Ocean Springs, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of No Turn Signals (2 counts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Heroin, and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Robert Sanford (age 47 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Insurance Fraud, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, and Injuring Public Records by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
March 29, 2023
Washington Parish Council Meeting March 27, 2023
The Washington Parish Council met Monday (March 27, 2023), adopting one ordinance and approving two resolutions, one of which furthers the prospect of lower insurance rates for Franklinton property owners. It was also announced that Transportation Manager Donnell Merritt will soon be retiring after 38 years and Council District #5 Thomas "Rusty" Fornea will not be a candidate for re-election to another term of office.
The Council
- adopted an ordinance to amend the 2023 Washington Parish Government Annual Operating Budget – American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Fund
- approved a resolution adopting the 2023 Annual Operating Budget of the Washington Parish Tourism Commission and
- approved a resolution to authorize the Parish President to sign an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Franklinton concerning Franklinton Rural Fire Service Response Area. See the video at about 4:40. The Franklinton Fire Department has for some time served not only the Town of Franklinton but also rural areas adjoining the Town. This action establishes the Town limits separate from the adjoining rural areas. Attorney G. Wayne Kuhn provided explanation. As a result of this action (and a similar action by the Town of Franklinton Mayor and Board of Aldermen), Franklinton property owners may see a decrease in property insurance premiums when ratings are reviewed.
Parish President and his staff provided reports, beginning at 14:00 into the video.
The upcoming retirement of Transportation Manager Donnell Merritt after 38 years was announced.
Council District #5 Thomas "Rusty" Fornea announced he would not be a candidate for re-election to another term of office.
Two Dead After Standoff With St. Tammany Parish Deputies
Update (6:21 PM): St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Charles Preston has made preliminary determinations based on autopsies of the two men and states that, “Richard Sanderson died of multiple gunshot wounds. The cause of death appears to be homicide. Eric Costello died of a single gunshot wound. The cause of death appears to be suicide."
Richard Sanderson, age 48 and of Mandeville, and Eric Costello, age 67 of Slidell, were both found dead following a standoff with St. Tammany Parish deputies.Shortly after 7:30 pm Tuesday (March 28, 2023) the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call with an open line from a residence in 300 block of Lake Village Boulevard near Slidell. Responding deputies attempted to establish contact with someone inside the home. A subject barricaded himself inside the residence, and the SWAT team was dispatched to the scene.
SWAT team members arrived on scene and negotiators made contact with one male inside the home. That individual indicated there had been an exchange of gunfire inside the residence between him and an acquaintance. SWAT team members made entry into the home and discovered two deceased subjects, identified later by St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Charles Preston as Richard Sanderson, age 48 and of Mandeville, and Eric Costello, age 67 of Slidell.
This is an ongoing investigation, but the initial investigation indicates one of the subjects appears to have sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of everyone involved,” Sheriff Randy Smith said, “and I thank the deputies, SWAT team members, detectives and crime scene technicians who worked throughout the night.”
18 Year-Old Female Charged With Drug Offenses by WPSO
On Tuesday (March 28, 2023), Deborah Stockstill, age 18 and a resident of Robert Sumrall Road in Washington Parish, was arrested by detectives with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force. After being stopped for committing traffic offenses, Stockstill gave permission for officers to search her vehicle. During the search, officers discovered a quantity of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Stockstill was arrested and booked into the Washington Parish Jail on charges of possession of illegal drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and traffic offenses.
She has two previous arrests in Washington Parish, both occurring in late 2022. In those two arrests, she was charged with various criminal violations, including attempted second degree murder, possession of illegal drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, resisting an officer with force, domestic abuse and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
“Stockstill obviously has not embarked on a healthy and productive lifestyle,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “She has established a criminal record early in her life and now is the time for her to turn her life in the opposite direction. I hope and pray she is willing to do that.”
LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station's 2023 Spring Garden Day and Plant Sale
The LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station will hold its second annual Spring Garden Day and Plant
Sale on Saturday, April 15th, 2023 from 8:00AM to 1:00 PM at the Hammond Research Station (21549 Old Covington Highway, Hammond, LA 70403).
This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Hundreds of plants, including Louisiana Super Plants, annual bedding, pollinator plants, tropical plants, houseplants, herbs, veggies, and unique species from our research station will be offered for sale. There will also be educational sessions on perennial plants, landscape design, garden sustainability, new varieties, and container gardening from LSU AgCenter specialists.
Tangipahoa Master Gardeners will provide fun children’s activities and will also have plants available for sale and swap. Food and drinks will be available for sale at the event.
For more information about activities and event schedule, please visit https://tinyurl.com/y6sbrxm4.
Today's Message from ADAPT
Learn more and "Like" ADAPT's Facebook Page and visit their website.
ADAPT, INC. is a nonprofit organization whose goals are
- To prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens by delivering research based prevention programs.
- To provide child abuse prevention and direct services to victims which includes a variety of programs and services.
- 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.
- To provide prevention and educational services targeting substance abuse.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 28, 2023
Debra Tribe (age 63 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Simple Obstruction of
Highway by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Norman Tribe (age 60 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery, Possession of Marijuana, Illegal Discharge/Use of Weapon, and Possession of CDS With Weapon Present by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Jasmine Singley (age 34 with McComb, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear, Attachment, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Deborah Stockstill (age 18 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Ran Stop Sign, Improper Equipment, Possession of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
March 28, 2023
Franklinton Man Accused of Setting Fire to Ex-girlfriend's Mobile Home
Yesterday (March 27, 2023)), the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) reported that, in partnership with several law enforcement agencies, Olvin Lopez (age 36 and of Franklinton) was arrested on multiple charges associated with setting his ex-girlfriend’s mobile home on fire. Lopez was booked into the Washington Parish Jail on Friday (March 24, 2023) on one count each of Simple Arson, Felony Stalking, and Unlawful Communications. Bond was set at $25,000.00.
In the morning hours of Sunday, March 5, 2023, Washington Parish Fire District #2 responded to a report of a mobile home fire located in the 42000 block of Highway 16 in Franklinton. Firefighters learned the mobile home was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and due to suspicious circumstances, the SFM was called to investigate further.
SFM deputies determined the fire was intentionally set. During the investigation, deputies learned that the owner of the mobile home had recently ended a relationship with Lopez, and since that time, had been receiving threats from Lopez. After additional investigative efforts, Lopez, who was on probation for a previous conviction, was confirmed as a suspect in the case and a warrant was obtained for his arrest on Thursday, March 23, 2023.
When SFM deputies arrived at Lopez’s location, he ran into a nearby wooded area. Just after midnight on March 24, with assistance from the Franklinton Police Department drone team and the B.B. Rayburn Correctional Center K-9 team, Lopez was located hiding in a creek and taken into custody.
The SFM would like to thank all of its law enforcement partners, including the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office and Office of Probation and Parole, as well as members of the public, for the successful and safe closure of this case.
Covington Double Murder Suspect Arraigned
District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that in the matter involving Antonio Tyson, the defendant was arraigned today (March 28, 2023) and pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and one count of obstruction of justice in connection with a double homicide that occurred in Covington on November 27, 2022.
Tyson is accused of murdering and burning the bodies of 71 year-old retired Priest Otis Young and 73 year-old Ruth Prats.
Click here for previous related stories
The two counts of first-degree murder expose the defendant to either life imprisonment or the death penalty if he is found guilty as charged. Tyson is being represented by the Capital Defense Project of Southeast Louisiana.
The next hearing date in the case is April 18, 2023.
23 Year-Old Slidell Man Sentenced to 80 Years on Manslaughter, Kidnapping, and Armed Robbery Charges
District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that Jason David Landry, age 23 and from Slidell, pled guilty on March 22, 2023 to two counts of manslaughter, two counts of second-degree kidnapping and two counts of conspiracy to commit armed robbery with a firearm. He was sentenced by District Judge Vincent Lobello to 40 years in prison for each manslaughter count; 40 years for each count of kidnapping and 30 years for each count of conspiracy. The court ordered two of the 40-year sentences to run consecutive, meaning the defendant was sentenced to serve a total of 80 years in prison. The plea agreement and sentencing were agreed upon by the families of both victims.
Landry also pled guilty this week to an unrelated second-degree battery he committed against another inmate in the St. Tammany Parish jail.
Click here for the 2018 related story
On February 16, 2018, the mother of the female victim in this case, called the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office to report her daughter missing. The Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation to locate the daughter, Raegan Day, and her boyfriend, Dustin Hartline. They were last seen when they left Pearl River in a blue Camaro on February 15, 2018 to travel to Kenner.
It was later learned that, while en route to Kenner, Day received a call from “co-defendant 1” who convinced Day and Hartline to pick her up and take her to a Slidell residence for a potential drug purchase. She directed them to drive to an abandoned property near the home of “co-defendant 4” where she had been staying with Landry and the other co-defendants in this case.
When they arrived, Landry and “co-defendant 2” exited an abandoned mobile home with their faces covered, armed with handguns. They forced the victims out of the vehicle at gunpoint and directed them to walk down a trail into a wooded area. As they were walking, Landry shot Hartling in the back of the head, killing him. The gunshot startled “co-defendant 2,” causing him to accidentally discharge his weapon, striking Landry in the foot. Then, Landry shot Day in the back of the head.
Landry and “co-defendant 1” got into Day’s Camaro and left the scene. “Co-defendant 2” sought out “co-defendant 3,” and they both returned to the scene where they discovered that Day was still alive. According to the police investigation, “co-defendant 3” ignored Day’s pleas for help and shot her in the head, killing her. “Co-defendant 2” and “co-defendant 3” then moved both victims’ bodies off of the trail to the edge of the wood line, covered them with debris and fled.
“Co-defendant 3” discarded the .25 caliber handgun used to kill Day in a nearby water pit. Landry was driven to Slidell Memorial Hospital and had the bullet surgically removed from his foot.
Later that night, “co-defendant 2” returned to the property and put the victims’ bodies in Day’s Camaro. “Co-defendant 2,” followed by “co-defendant 3” in his vehicle, drove the Camaro to the East Pearl River boat launch off of Highway 90 near the Louisiana/Mississippi State Line where they dumped the vehicle, along with the victims’ bodies, into the river. Eighteen days later, authorities found the vehicle and the bodies in the East Pearl River.
Police learned of another suspect, “co-defendant 4,” who owned the house where all of the other defendants were living. He played a role in this incident as well. Subsequent to the ensuing investigation and witness statements, the St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office arrested all five individuals. The remaining defendants will be tried later.
Family members for both victims were present in Court and gave impact statements. “We are left with questions and memories. We believe it is now our job…to make sure justice is served. It starts today with Jason Landry, spending the rest of his life in jail thinking about what he did and the impact his decisions left on this family.”
DA Montgomery stated, “The heinous nature of these crimes deserves the most serious consequences. Thanks to Assistant District Attorney Jay Adair who prosecuted the case and to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office who investigated the case, this killer has been held accountable.”
Parents Arrested After Death of 2 Month-Old in Pike County MS
The Pike County Sheriff's Office reports the arrest of Shelby Granger and Cameron Sylve, parents of a two month-old infant now deceased.
On March 24, 2023, deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive infant and found CPR being administered by family. Deputies took over administering CPR until AAA Ambulance Service arrived. The infant was transported to Southwest Regional Medical Center and later pronounced deceased.
An investigation was conducted and found that certain family members were in violation of no-contact and custody orders that had been put in place by the courts. During the investigation, the infants parents, Shelby Granger and Cameron Sylve, were arrested and charged with Contempt of Court and Negligent Homicide with further charges pending. No bond has been set at this time.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a Court of Law
Today's Message from ADAPT
Learn more and "Like" ADAPT's Facebook Page and visit their website.
ADAPT, INC. is a nonprofit organization whose goals are
- To prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens by delivering research based prevention programs.
- To provide child abuse prevention and direct services to victims which includes a variety of programs and services.
- 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.
- To provide prevention and educational services targeting substance abuse.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
March 27, 2023
Rayburn Correctional Center Graduates Six From Academy 229
Lt. Kenton Smith addressed the class sharing his experience and knowledge as an officer at RCC. Warden Travis Day and Deputy Warden Keith Bickham conferred certificates of completion to each cadet.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
Today's Message from ADAPT
Learn more and "Like" ADAPT's Facebook Page and visit their website.
ADAPT, INC. is a nonprofit organization whose goals are
- To prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens by delivering research based prevention programs.
- To provide child abuse prevention and direct services to victims which includes a variety of programs and services.
- 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.
- To provide prevention and educational services targeting substance abuse.
March 26, 2023
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 25, 2023
Bryant Myers (age 26 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Second Degree Battery,
Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment (2 counts), Contempt of Court and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Christopher Robinson (age 45 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Kevin Blackwell (age 43 with Bush, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession of Heroin by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
Today Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 3pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before midnight. Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 81. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.
Monday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 62. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then a slight chance of showers. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. North wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
March 25, 2023
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 24, 2023
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. West wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight Increasing clouds, with a low around 63. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
March 24, 2023
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 23, 2023
Cameron Davis (age 22 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other
Jurisdiction, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $25000.00.
Chance Luke (age 25 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Probation Violation and Failure to Appear (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Christopher Traylor (age 28 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer/Flight on Foot, Failure to Appear, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Willie James (age 38 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Proper Equipment Required on Vehicles, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of CDS With Weapon Present by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.