St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 13, 2026

Amanda Martinell (age 36) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Collene Collier (age 52) was booked on the charges of DWI and Careless Operation by the Louisiana State Police.

Pamela Smith (age 66) was booked on the charges of Operating While Intoxicated (2nd Offense) and Driving Under Suspension by the Louisiana State Police.

Lionel Mack (age 18) was booked on the charge of First Degree Murder by Agency not listed.

Trevor Gainey (age 24) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole.

Ronald Carver (age 63) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Mario Olvera (age 40) was booked on the charges of Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, Resisting an Officer, Unlawful Entry or Reentry Into the State of Louisiana, Proper Equipment Required on Vehicles/Display of Plate, Driver Must Be Licensed, and Careless Operation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Matthew Winston (age 48) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Natalie Giron (age 20) was booked on the charge of Accessory After the Fact by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Dionne Miller (age 36) was booked on the charge of Theft by the Mandeville Police Department.

Claudette Wagner (age 39) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Tabitha Baham (age 50) was booked on the charges of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond and Contempt of Court (3 counts) by Bondsman.

Anthony Fricke (age 29) was booked on the charges of Violation of Protection Order and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Paul Kellum (age 49) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Frederic Butler (age 46) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Joseph Landry (age 38) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (3 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

Obituary

Eugene Allen II

January 31, 1954 — October 4, 2026

Serial Bank Robber Convicted in St. Tammany Parish

District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that on October 13, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found
37-year-old Byron Jamal Watson, of New Orleans, Louisiana, guilty as charged of simple robbery following a trial before the Honorable Judge Scott Gardner. Assistant District Attorneys Caitlin Rodzik and Iain Dover prosecuted the case on behalf of the State.

The conviction stems from an incident on November 7, 2025 at the Fidelity Bank located on Gause Boulevard in Slidell. Watson, disguised, waited until the bank lobby was clear of customers, then approached a teller with a note and shouted, “This is a robbery!” He fled with $2,900 in cash as employees watched him run down the street toward Rosalind Avenue.

The Slidell Police Department (SPD) quickly responded and established a perimeter. While searching the vicinity on Rosalind Drive, Detectives discovered a fresh tire mark and a puddle of liquid where a getaway vehicle had been parked. Detectives obtained surveillance video from a nearby building at Rosalind and Frederick Drive showing a silver Jeep Liberty running a stop sign at 3:43 PM - just minutes after the robbery - with no other moving vehicles in the area during that timeframe.

Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) searches conducted by SPD led Detectives to locate an image of a silver Jeep Liberty without a license plate entering Interstate 10 at Gause Boulevard at 3:47 PM. Although the plate was missing, the vehicle displayed a distinctive rear window sticker. Detectives were later provided an ALPR image of a Jeep bearing the exact same sticker, registered to Watson. Further investigation revealed that Watson’s physical description matched that of the robber and that Watson had two prior bank robbery convictions. An arrest warrant was subsequently obtained.

During opening remarks, ADA Caitlin Rodzik emphasized the strength of the circumstantial evidence presented to the jury, stating:

"The evidence will show that it is Byron Watson behind that disguise. Who is Byron Watson? He's a convicted bank robber. If you're going to get caught because of a bank robbery where you were identified by your neck tattoos, you might want to wear a neck brace next time you want to rob a bank."

District Attorney Collin Sims commended the joint law enforcement effort that brought Watson to justice:

"Byron Watson has a long history of committing bank robberies across multiple jurisdictions outside of St. Tammany Parish. He thought he could bring his criminal activities into our community and escape accountability, but he was wrong. Thanks to the thorough, relentless investigation by law enforcement, we have finally put a stop to his serial criminal career. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Slidell Police Department, specifically Detective Louis Pellissier, as well as the Louisiana State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their exceptional teamwork and commitment to keeping St. Tammany Parish safe."

Sentencing is scheduled for November 2, 2026, before Judge Scott Gardner. Watson’s prior criminal record includes four bank robberies, one aggravated robbery, and an aggravated flight. Due to his extensive felony record, Watson faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.

Obituary

Charles Lee Wimberley

January 25, 1934 - October 10, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Areas of dense fog before 11am. Otherwise, partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight   Clear, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday   Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night   Clear, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday   Sunny, with a high near 90. Light north wind increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

UPDATE- Two Arrested in Vacant Church Building Theft Valued at Over $100,000 in Tangipahoa Parish

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has arrested two suspects in connection with a large-scale theft from a vacant church property back in May, 2026.

Samuel Cutrer, 47, has been booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on one count of Felony Theft (over $25,000).

Robert Magee, 45, is currently being held in the St. Helena Parish Jail as a fugitive from TPSO on the same count. His transfer is pending unrelated charges out of St. Helena Parish.

On May 6, 2026, it was discovered that copper tubing as well as condensers and parts from multiple A/C units were missing from the property of the former Harvest Church building located in the 17000 block of north I-12 Service Road in Hammond. The repairs for the damage and replacement of the parts exceeded $100,000.

Surveillance video released to the public on May 14th showed two suspects committing the theft. Shortly after, tips helped TPSO detectives identify Cutrer and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On September 24, Cutrer was located and arrested on the outstanding warrant connected to this case as well as almost a dozen other unrelated charges.

As the investigation continued, the second suspect was identified as Magee, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. It was then learned he was already in custody at the St. Helena Parish Jail in an unrelated case.

This is Magee’s fourth copper theft-related arrest in Tangipahoa Parish in the past six months. Investigators are continuing to look into Magee’s possible involvement in other outstanding copper theft-related cases both in and out of Tangipahoa Parish.

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

Obituary

Billy Joe Anderson

August 18, 1967 - October 12, 2026

Obituary

Kelli Shanice Burkhalter

April 26, 1987 — October 1, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 12, 2026

Denzel Francis (age 34) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Michael Marange (age 37) was booked on the charge of Theft Less Than 1000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Claude Marengo (age 79) was booked on the charge of DWI, Improper Lane Use, and No Taillights by the Louisiana State Police.

Zanaya Hayes (age 25) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Aggravated Assault and Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Nicholas Berkman (age 45) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Paul Reilly (age 62) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jefferey Jacobs (age 50) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Derieus Davis (age 45) was booked on the charges of Monetary Instrument Abuse and Theft 5000-25000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Kris Bourgeois (age 52) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Unlawful Disruption of School Operations by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Billi Aragonsolis (age 19) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 12, 2026

Broderick Lotts (age 31 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In for Court.

Telessia Gardner (age 46 with a Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting Arrest by Flight, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Aggravated Domestic Abuse Assault/Child Endangerment, Domestic Abuse Battery, and Obstruction of Justice by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.

Sarah Duncan (age 35 with a Columbia, Ms. address) was booked on the charge of Simple Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

Franklinton Mayor & Board of Aldermen Agenda for Oct. 13th

The Franklinton Mayor & Board of Aldermen will meet Tuesday (October 13, 2026) at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/mthermonwebtv

On the Agenda are

• A public hearing will be held on the amended budget for 2025-2026.

• The Board will vote to adopt the amended budget for 2025-2026

• A public hearing will be held on the proposed budget for 2026-2027.

• The Board will vote to adopt the proposed budget for 2026-2027

• The Board will vote to introduce an ordinance updating the planning and zoning ordinance and map.

• The Board will vote to use Jurisdeed for the processing of property taxes for the coming year.

• Cameron Mary will address the Mayor and the Board about the upcoming election for judge, 22nd Judicial District Court, Division E.

• Luke Lancaster will address the Mayor and the Board about the upcoming election for judge, 22nd Judicial District Court, Division H.

UPDATE- Body Found Near Independence Identified

Following an autopsy Monday (October 12, 2026) morning, the deceased female found in the
Independence area Saturday has been identified.

The Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office confirms a 64-year-old from Washington State is the individual located by a fisherman along the bank of the Tangipahoa River near the Highway 40 bridge midday Saturday. The woman’s name is being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin.

Preliminary results indicate the woman died of natural causes. There were no signs of trauma, and initial testing showed no evidence of drugs in her system.

While detectives have not determined what brought the woman to the area, they believe she was living out of her car, which was found parked along the highway near where she was found.

Investigators are continuing to work toward concluding this investigation, but as always, if anyone feels they have helpful information that will give investigators more insight into the case, please share those details with TPSO’s Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2088. If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip!

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Areas of dense fog before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 92. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday   Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night   Clear, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday   Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night   Clear, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Washington Parish Bar Assn. - 22nd JDC Judges Candidates - October 12, 2026 (Video)

Washington Parish Council - October 12, 2026 (Video)

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 11, 2026

Gabrielle Dufrene (age 28) was booked on the charges of DWI and Careless Operation by the Louisiana State Police.

Jaime Yepez (age 51) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Victor Colon (age 33) was booked on the charge of Possession of Firearm on Premises on Alcoholic Bev by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Nicholas Krema (age 42) was booked on the charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Open Container in Motor Vehicle, and Driver Must Be Licensed by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Ryan Kelley (age 22) was booked on the charges of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things 5000-25000, Resisting Arrest by False Information, and Fugitive (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Carlos Ruiz-Ponce (age 21) was booked on the charges of DWI, Maximum Speed Limit, and Driver Must Be Licensed by the Louisiana State Police.

Jody Nicely (age 55) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Brittany Liberto (age 38) was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Use of Access Card As Theft and Criminal Trespass by the Slidell Police Department.

Khalid Robiho (age 36) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Percy Jointer (age 33) was booked on the charges of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things $25000 or Greater, Possession of Schedule II, and Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Quintin Wallace (age 39) was booked on the charges of False Imprisonment, Attempted Simple Robbery, and Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Javier Barron-Salas (age 38) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Gerald Fisher (age 37) was booked on the charge of Battery of a Dating Partner by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

Washington Parish Library - Angie Community Survey

Press Release from Washington Parish Government

Renovations are just beginning at the Angie Branch Library, and we want to hear from you! 📚

As work gets underway, the Washington Parish Library is asking the community to share what matters most to you. Your feedback will help guide the services, programs, and resources offered at the newly renovated Angie Branch Library.

With a tentative opening planned for January, now is a great time to share your thoughts!

📲 Scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/AngieBranch to take the survey and make your voice heard! Note: click Continue to Destination.

Washington Parish Council Agenda for October 12, 2026

The Washington Parish Council will meet at 5:30 PM on Monday (October 12, 2026) in Council Chambers at the Courthouse in Franklinton. The meeting will  be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/mthermonwebtv  Note: Video of the meeting will be immediately available on the Facebook page. All meetings of the Washington Parish Council are archived here.

Prior to the Regular Meeting, the Council will hold a Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 26-791: Adopt an  Ordinance of the Parish Council, Washington Parish, Louisiana, Authorizing the Parish President to Accept an Acquisition of Property Located at 25234 Louisiana Highway 436 Angie, Louisiana, and to Execute a Conservation Servitude With the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

On the Agenda for the Regular Meeting are the following: 

ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/DISCUSSION ITEMS

• Ordinance No. 26-791: Adopt an Ordinance of the Parish Council Washington Parish, Louisiana, Authorizing the Parish President to Accept an Acquisition of Property Located at 25234 Louisiana Highway 436 Angie, Louisiana, and to Execute a Conservation Servitude With the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

• Ordinance No. 26-792: Introduce an Ordinance Authorizing the Washingnton Parish President to Extend the Contract with Crowdergulf, LLC for Disaster Debris Removal and Disposal Services 

• Ordinance No. 26-793: Introduce an Ordinance Authorizing the Washington Parish President to Extend the Contract with Thompson Consulting Services for Disaster Debris Monitoring and Management Services

• Ordinance No. 26-794: Introduce an Ordinance to Amend No. 22-707, "The Washington Parish Utility Scale Solar Project - Facility Standards Ordinance," to Provide for the Issuance of Preliminary and Final Permits; to Provide for an Independent Third-Party Final Compliance Inspection; and to Provide for Related Matters

• Resolution No. 26-1546: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Disposition and Sale of Three (3) Transit Vehicles Through Henderson Auctions and Authorizing the Parish President to Execute All Documents Necessary in Connection Therewith.

Following Public Participation, the Council will hear reports from the Parish President and his staff before adjourning.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 8-11, 2026

Eelijah Chester (age 19 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Production of Child Sexual
Abuse Material/Victim Under Age of 13, Carnal Knowledge of Juvenile, and Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s) by the Bogalusa Police Department.

Marcus Mark (age 32 with a Sandy Hook, Ms. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. 

Ladeja Watson (age 27 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Assault Upon a Dating Partner and Criminal Damage to Property by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. 

Mauricio Hernandez (age 37 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of No Drivers License, Improper Lane Usage, Obstruction of Highway, and Driving While Intoxicated by the Louisiana State Police.

Antonio Deleon (age 41 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Open Container in Vehicle (3 counts), Driving While Intoxicated, and Resisting an Officer by the Franklinton Police Department.

***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.

Indigenous People's Day   Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday   Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night   Clear, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday   Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night   Clear, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

This Week in Louisiana Agriculture

This week meet a young sugarcane farmer making decisions that will impact his operation for years to come, visit a Tangipahoa Parish family finding success through farm-to-table sales, explore new hunting opportunities for ducks and alligators, learn how the expanded Geaux Beef program is helping cattle producers make informed decisions, and much more.

Obituary

Ernestine Penton Jones Lawson

January 9, 1937 - October 10, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 10, 2026

Marcell Lymuel (age 42) was booked on the charges of Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Blake Boren (age 41) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Obstruction of Highway of Commerce and DWI by the Louisiana State Police.

Grant Waters (age 30) was booked on the charges of DWI, Maximum Speed Limit, and Expired License Plate by the Louisiana State Police.

Michael Batiste (age 63) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Riding on Roadways and Bicycle Paths, Bicycle/Front Lamps, Side and Rear Reflectors Required by the 22nd Judicial Court.

John Albers (age 30) was booked on the charge of Disturbing the Peace/Language by the Mandeville Police Department.

John Breitenbach (age 41) was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness and Criminal Trespass by the Pearl River Police Department.

Megan Brown (age 32) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Covington Police Department.

Allison Salter (age 42) was booked on the charges of Operating While Intoxicated (3rd Offense), Improper Parking on Roadway, Driving Under Suspension, and Open Container in Motor Vehicle by the Louisiana State Police.

Zion Claude (age 62) was booked on the charges of Violation of Protection Order and Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

John Pirkle (age 41) was booked on the charge of Contractors Misapplication of Payments by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Clyde Phelps (age 47) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Schedule I, Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Under Suspension, Expired License Plate, Obstructing a Drivers View, and Violations of Registration Provisions by the Slidell Police Department.

Amaree Jefferson (age 19) was booked on the charge of Battery of a Dating Partner by the Mandeville Police Department.

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

Body Found Near Independence

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) is investigating the discovery of a body in the
Independence area.

Around 1:30 p.m. Saturday (October 10, 2026), a fisherman reported finding an unresponsive white female along the bank of the Tangipahoa River near the Highway 40 bridge. Firefighters first on the scene confirmed the woman was deceased. At this time, it is believed the woman was a transient from out-of-state living out of her car which was found parked along the highway. Official identification and cause of death are pending with the Coroner’s Office. This is an open and active death investigation. 

Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information that can assist detectives to contact the Criminal Investigations Office at 985-902-2088. If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip!

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Sunny, with a high near 90. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Calm wind.

Indigenous People's Day   Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night   Clear, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday   Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Obituary

Myrtis Stogner Rowell

May 7, 1937 - October 9, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 9, 2026

Tyran Holmes (age 31) was booked on the charges of Fugitive (2 counts) by the Covington Police Department.

Sara Jones (age 38) was booked on the charge of Violation of Protection Order by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Amy Doss (age 48) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Leann Simon (age 40) was booked on the charge of Second Degree Cruelty to Juveniles by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Rodney Lowery (age 34) was booked on the charge of Registration of Sex Offenders by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Derick Poirier (age 42) was booked on
the charges of Improper Turn and Possession of Schedule II by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Amanda Mascaro (age 46) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Probation Violation, and Contempt of Court by Probation and Parole.

Kayleigh Aguero (age 35) was booked on the charges of Obstruction of Justice, Resisting an Officer, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Ariana Smith (age 31) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Obstruction of Justice, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Joshua Martin (age 19) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Mandeville Police Department.

Malcolm Duperon (age 64) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Flight From Officer, Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, DWI, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Open Container in Motor Vehicle, and No Safety Belts by the Slidell Police Department.

Patricio Somarriba (age 35) was booked on the charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Careless Operation, and Driving Under Suspension by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Robert Greco (age 30) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary (3 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Robert Jones (age 49) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Theft 1000-5000 by the Slidell Police Department.

Theresa Lacy (age 55) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Probation Violation by the Slidell Police Department.

Alexah Hamilton (age 23) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.

Zachary Wallace (age 27) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Yantrel Tyner (age 26) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Wendell Moss (age 30) was booked on the charge of False Imprisonment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Passion Moore (age 23) was booked on the charge of Battery of a Dating Partner by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Nicole Deacon (age 36) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Brandon Williams (age 37) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Wendy Reyes-Urbina (age 37) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Emma Spence (age 35) was booked was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II (3 counts) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Candice Breland (age 38) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Kenyatta Meads (age 51) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II (2 counts) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Patrick Byrnes (age 32) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

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

Obituary

Oscar "Lee" Seawell

March 30, 1939 — October 1, 2026

Obituary

Kathleen Loretta Sheridan Cockrell

August 20, 1948 — October 7, 2026

Obituary

Lawana S. Davis

August 18, 1958 - October 6, 2026

Obituary

Rosie Lee Rogers Slade

August 10, 1943 - October 4, 2026

Obituary

John H. “Johnny” Johnson

November 21, 1930 – October 08, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 82. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph.

Tonight   Clear, with a low around 60. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday   Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Sunday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Calm wind.

Indigenous People's Day   Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Monday Night   Clear, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Obituary

Tushanna Anne Temples

August 10, 1970 - October 6, 2026

Slidell Man Faces Life in Prison After Murder Conviction

District Attorney J. Collin Sims reports that on Friday, October 9, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found 22-year-old Deanthony Ashawn Williams of Slidell, Louisiana, guilty as charged on all counts in connection with a November 2022 fatal ambush shooting. The Honorable Judge Richard Swartz presided over the trial. Assistant District Attorneys Christina Fisher and Taylor Nicholson prosecuted the case for the State.

Williams was convicted of:

• Second Degree Murder

• Attempted Second Degree Murder

• Attempted Armed Robbery

Sentencing is scheduled for December 9, 2026, before Judge Swartz. Williams faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

The convictions stem from an investigation conducted by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO) into a shooting that occurred on November 28, 2022.

On the evening of November 28, 2022, STPSO deputies responded to reports of gunfire on Northwood Drive in Slidell. Upon arrival, deputies located a black Ford Fiesta that had collided with a white Ford F-150. Inside the driver’s seat of the Fiesta, deputies found a 19-year-old male victim suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. The victim died from his injuries on the scene. A second victim, an 18-year-old male, was found in a nearby driveway, also suffering from a gunshot wound; he was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Investigators recovered numerous shell casings from two different firearms at the scene. Through witness interviews, social media analysis, and confidential tips, detectives determined that the victims had traveled to Northwood Drive under the premise of a marijuana sale. Upon their arrival, Williams and his 15-year-old co-defendant approached the vehicle with hooded sweatshirts and handguns drawn, demanding their belongings. When the driver-victim accelerated to escape the ambush, both assailants opened fire into the vehicle.

In the days following the shooting, Williams bragged about the incident to acquaintances, sending text messages explicitly referencing the crime. During trial testimony, Williams admitted that when people accused him of the murder, he "didn't deny it," and acknowledged texting a friend, “I'm finna go to jail fa murder."

The surviving victim testified during trial regarding the ongoing toll of the attack, sharing, "A lot of trauma brought to me, a lot of mental, and a lot of physical pain."

In closing arguments, ADA Taylor Nicholson emphasized the defendant’s premeditation and callous demeanor, referencing a text message where Williams asked a friend prior to the murder, "Do u know any licks I can hit" and another to a girlfriend the day after the murder asking, "If sb kill another person then laugh about it is that evil"

"That's how you tell intent, ladies and gentlemen," ADA Nicholson told the jury. "I'm finna take someone's son, taking shots, pre-gaming a murder."

Concluding the state’s rebuttal, ADA Fisher thanked the jury and acknowledged, “When you go into that room to deliberate, you will have a hard job. It should be hard to take someone’s liberty. The problem is that it wasn’t hard for Deanthony Williams to take a life. He rapped about it beforehand and laughed about it after.”

District Attorney Collin Sims commended the hard work of the prosecution team and law enforcement partners in delivering justice for the victims and the St. Tammany Parish community:

"This was a senseless, cold-blooded act of violence driven by greed and a complete disregard for human life. The defendant chose to ambush two young men, attempt to execute a violent robbery in the dark of night, and brag about taking a life as if it were a point of pride. Thanks to the meticulous work of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the dedicated prosecution by ADAs Christina Fisher and Taylor Nicholson, Deanthony Williams will now be held accountable for his actions. Our thoughts remain with the family of the victims as they continue to cope with the profound loss and physical and emotional trauma caused by this heinous crime."

Charges against co-defendant Corda Williams remain pending, and his trial date has not yet been set.

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 8, 2026

Wynisha Bell (age 27) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Covington Police Department.

Tammy Griggs (age 49) was booked on the charge of Criminal Mischief/False Report of a Crime by the Covington Police Department.

Kenneth Williams (age 33) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer by Refusing to Identify and Obstruction of Justice by the Covington Police Department.

Jakarious Washington (age 31) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Contempt of Court by the Covington Police Department.

Brian Archuleta (age 20) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Ryan Lee (age 39) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule III CDS, Possession of Schedule I, Failure to Use Turn Signal, No Safety Belts, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.

Jesus Lucas Rios (age 30) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Schedule I, Illegal Carrying of Weapon, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.

Nicholas Carver (age 40) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Helx Benton (age 44) was booked on the charge of Theft Less Than 1000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

James Mitchell (age 38) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Andrea Cooper (age 45) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule I, Possession of Schedule II (2 counts), Possession of Schedule III, and Cruelty to Juveniles/Minor Injuries by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Mary Tranum (age 45) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Jessica Quates (age 38) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Melissa Cutrer (age 52) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Marty Labit (age 39) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule I, Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Schedule III, Possession of Fentanyl, and Cruelty to Juveniles by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Jose Montano (age 42) was booked on the charge of Housed for Marshal by the US Marshall Service.

Wendy Diez (age 57) was booked on the charges of Theft and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Christopher Johnson (age 43) was booked on the charge of Housed for Marshal by the US Marshall Service.

Austin Rosentreter (age 23) was booked on the charge of Fugitive and Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

BRINGING FUNDING HOME TO WASHINGTON PARISH

Press Release from Washington Parish Government

Throughout 2026, Washington Parish Government has worked to identify and secure grant funding to support projects that strengthen our community, improve public safety and address critical infrastructure needs.

To date, Washington Parish has secured $6,739,913 in grant funding for projects throughout the parish.

These funds will support:

• Disaster Recovery #4611 Elevation & Acquisitions Activities |$4,632,155.00: Elevation of 26 structures and acquisition of one structure.

• Disaster Recovery #4559 Generator Support | $403,975.00: Generators and automatic transfer switches for Bogalusa, Franklinton, Pine, Mt. Hermon and Varnado high school gymnasiums, along with an upgrade at the Town of Franklinton Sewer Treatment Plant.

• Disaster Recovery #4559 | $1,601,176.00: Construction of a 3,564-square-foot dual-use safe room at the Emergency Operations Center.

• LGAP | $60,000.00: Plumbing system upgrades and repairs at the Washington Parish Jail.

• DR #4611 Manual Transfer Switch Support | $33,867: Manual transfer switch support for Varnado Water Works, Fire Districts #4 and #7, and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Substation in Bogalusa.

• Keep Louisiana Beautiful Healthier Communities | $8,740: A custom litter trailer and cleanup equipment for our road crew.

$6.7+ MILLION SECURED. 

INVESTING IN WASHINGTON PARISH.

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 85. Breezy, with a northeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Tonight   A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Breezy, with a northeast wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Saturday   A 20 percent chance of showers before 8am. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 79. Breezy, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Saturday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Sunday   Sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning.

Sunday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Calm wind.

Tropical Disturbances Today

Hurricane Isaias is located about 170 miles SSE of the mouth of the Mississippi River and moving NNE at 15 MPH with 110 MPH maximum sustained winds. A turn toward the north is expected later today. On the forecast track, Isaias is expected to approach the U.S. northern Gulf Coast this afternoon and make landfall within the warning area tonight or early Saturday. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles.

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 7, 2026

Luciano D'Angelo (age 39) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Courtney Jones (age 37) was booked on the charges of Bank Fraud, Access Device Fraud, Theft (2 counts), and Resisting Arrest by False Information by the Slidell Police Department.

Courtney Elder (age 31) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Breanna Meeks (age 32) was booked on the charge of Cruelty to Juveniles/Minor Injuries by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Robin Cardneaux (age 70) was booked on the charges of Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Aaron Stovall (age 33) was booked on the charges of Habitual Offender Law/Sentences for Second and Subsequent, Battery of a Dating Partner/Strangulation and Child Endangerment, Aggravated Battery, False Imprisonment/Offender Armed With Dangerous Weapon, Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle, Injuring Public Records, and Contempt of Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Karen Caillier (age 60) was booked on the charge of Prohibited Acts/Schedule II Penalties by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Felicia Polk (age 43) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Obstruction of Justice, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Christopher Owens (age 38) was booked on the charges of Theft Less Than 1000 and Simple Criminal Damage to Property by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Daimon Bush (age 43) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Kristine King (age 45) was booked on the charge of Criminal Trespass by the Mandeville Police Department.

Donnie Eady (age 27) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Lionel Ott (age 44) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Sylvia McGrew (age 44) was booked on the charge of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond by Bondsman.

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

Obituary

Ezzard Charles Lee

October 8, 1954 — October 2, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 6-7, 2026

Orlanzo McGowan (age 37 with an Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Prohibited Acts, Possession of Heroin, Contempt of Court (2 counts), Failure to Appear (2 counts), and Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land After Being Forbidden by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.

Benjamin Jacob (age 51 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court

Nicole Gorsuch (age 40 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $409.00.

Krisean Brown (age 27 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of No Seat Belt, Drivers License Not on Person, Contempt of Court (2 counts), and Resisting an Officer by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $1209.00.

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

Tropical Disturbances Today