Terry Lee Ladner
December 17, 1975 - March 23, 2023
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.
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.
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.”
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
Learn more and "Like" ADAPT's Facebook Page and visit their website.
ADAPT, INC. is a nonprofit organization whose goals are
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.
Learn more and "Like" ADAPT's Facebook Page and visit their website.
ADAPT, INC. is a nonprofit organization whose goals are
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.
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.
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%.
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.
This morning (March 23, 2023), shortly after 8:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a single-vehicle crash on LA 10 west of LA 38 in East Feliciana Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 76-year-old Robert Wall of Kentwood.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Wall was driving a 2010 Nissan Versa headed east on LA 10. For reasons still being investigated, Wall exited the roadway to the right and impacted a tree.
Wall, who was not restrained at the time of the crash, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. As part of the ongoing investigation, a toxicology sample was obtained from Wall and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
The Pike County MS Sheriff’s Office reports the capture of Quardavion White on Wednesday (March 22, 2023) and that White was out on an $800,000 bond with ankle monitor from Washington Parish. Click here for previous stories
The PCSO was contacted by Mississippi Capitol Police regarding a 2018 Dodge Charger that had been stolen from their jurisdiction. PCSO located the stolen vehicle and the driver was later identified as White. When he saw the deputies, White fled on foot across Interstate 55 and into the surrounding woods but, after a lengthy foot chase, was taken into custody.
The Pike County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank McComb Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and Mississippi Department of Transportation Enforcement for there assistance in the apprehension and arrest of Quardavion White.
Quardavion White has been charged with Receiving Stolen
Property, Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute Enhanced with a Firearm, and Possession Of Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. No bond has been set for these charges at this time.
Quardavion White was previously out on a $10,000 bond for Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell and Possession Sale or Transfer of Stolen Firearm. Quardavion White is also currently out on an $800,000 bond with ankle monitor for 2nd Degree Murder in Washington Parish.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a Court of Law
Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal asks the public’s help to identify the vandal or vandals who stole items and destroyed other property at the Mt. Hermon Cemetery on Highway 450. The vandalism likely occurred between March 16 and 19.
At least eight granite vase holders were stolen and others were broken. Flowers were overturned and several flower arrangements were stolen. A granite foot marker was removed and discarded in a field next to the cemetery.
“Not only is this a criminal act, but also a despicable act,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “If you know or suspect who might have committed this vandalism, call us at (985) 849-3434. Or, if you know the location of any of the stolen items, let us know. We want to identify the person or persons responsible for this so they may be held accountable for their actions.”
Rayburn Correctional Center and the Pike County MS Sheriff's Office has reported on the capture of 37 year-old Rashan Danyale Smith, an escaped murder suspect in a recent homicide in Brookhaven, MS. The capture of Smith followed an intense three-hour manhunt outside Summit, MS on Tuesday (March 21, 2023) night that involved multiple law enforcement agencies: Pike County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Offices, McComb Police, Brookhaven Police, Summit Police, Southwest Mississippi Community College Police, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries, and dog teams from the Rayburn Correctional Center and Tangipahoa Sheriff's Office as well as a helicopter from Mississippi Highway Patrol.
Smith reportedly has a criminal history peppered with violence and the tendency to run from the law. He escaped police custody in Brookhaven in October, 2022 and was also accused of shooting and wounding a woman there in 2020.
On March 21, 2023, a McComb police officer spotted a vehicle matching the description posted in a BOLO traveling on North Locust Street and attempted to stop Smith, who fled. The pursuit continued on North Locust Street and to Horace Holmes Road, where Smith wrecked between Robb Street Extension and Robert Ayers Road just east of Summit. A heavy police presence descended on the area. RCC's K-9s were able to pick-up a scent trail from a dropped handgun and lost shoe. RCC officers apprehended the suspect without incident in a wooded area just south of Southwest Mississippi Community College.
Pike County Sheriff Brumfield expressed his thanks to all agencies involved.
RCC Warden Travis Day stated, “In my opinion, RCC K-9 Unit is an elite group. Their pride, dedication, consistency and training make them one of the best tracking groups in the Southeastern United States.”
Detectives with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force were patrolling in Bogalusa Wednesday (March 22, 2023) when they observed a driver committing a traffic offense. The vehicle was stopped and the female driver was issued a citation for the traffic offense and released. Her passenger went to jail.
The passenger, Joseph Rafael Martin, age 34 and a resident of Ott Street, was found to be in possession of a quantity of illegal narcotics, including THC packets and marijuana. Some of the illegal drugs were packaged for sale. In addition, officers discovered several pills and a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol, all of which were claimed by Martin.
Martin, a convicted felon, was arrested and transported to the Washington Parish Jail where he was booked on charges of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to sell illegal drugs, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with a weapon present and possession of legend drugs without a prescription.
Records indicate Martin was convicted of drug offenses in 2009 and sentenced to three years of hard labor and three years of probation. His probation ended in 2014.
“I congratulate our drug task force detectives for making this arrest,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “I would be remiss, however, if I didn’t mention the wonderful partnership the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office has with the Bogalusa Police Department. On many occasions, including the recent drug arrest of Vincent Rashad Peters on West 7th Street, Bogalusa Police Department officers were on the scene. Bogalusa officers are a valuable resource to us as we join together in conducting investigations and making arrests. Bogalusa officers back us up on fighting crime within the City of Bogalusa and we back them up. I cannot say enough about the fine law enforcement work done by officers from both agencies.”
Sheriff Seal continued, saying, “Speaking of the City of Bogalusa, I cannot say enough wonderful things about the superb alliance we have with the Bogalusa Police Department. They are a fine group of men and women and it is an honor to work alongside them. Together, we are laboring daily to combat crime and put criminals in jail where they belong. We provide an office in Bogalusa for the convenience of citizens on the east side of our parish. The office is located only a few blocks from Bogalusa Police Department Headquarters and officers from both agencies are constantly back and forth discussing criminal cases and working together in the interest of protecting the citizens of Bogalusa.”
Shane Raymond (age 19 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Illegal
Discharge/use of Weapon by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $10000.00.
Marc Fortney (age 51 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Christopher Conerly (age 28 with Kokomo, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Resisting an Officer, Theft Less Than 1000, Attempted Criminal Damage to Property, Ran Stop Sign, and No Drivers License by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Joshua West (age 41 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Devon Cotton (age 33 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.
Yancey Holmes (age 41 with Franklinton, La address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts), Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, No Seat Belt, Resisting an Officer, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Hayrane Harris (age 34 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.
Bobby Matthews (age 45 with Angie, La. address) was booked In From Court
Ronald Willette (age 52 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In For Court
Justin Vaughan (age 37 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft of a Motor Vehicle 1000-5000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Cleon Lotts (age 38 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court
Beverly Martin (age 53 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Cruelty to Infirm and Second Degree Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $10000.00.
Joseph Martin (age 34 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, and Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Learn more and "Like" ADAPT's Facebook Page and visit their website.
ADAPT, INC. is a nonprofit organization whose goals are
Vincent Peters (age 33 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Distribution of Schedule 1 CDDS, Possession of Marijuana, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs (2 counts), and Possession of Drug Paraphenalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $150000.00.
Stefan Luck II (age 33 with Marrero, La. address) was booked on the charge of Third Degree Rape/Vaginal by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $30000.00.
Joshua McKenzie (age 43 with Poplarville, Ms. address) was booked In For Court
Robert Bridges (age 42 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (3 counts) and Bond Surrender by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $81000.00.
Vincent Rashad Peters, age 33, was arrested today (March 21, 2023) in the 1100 block of West 7th Street in Bogalusa. Detectives with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force confronted Peters as he sat in his vehicle at a residence. Officers confiscated black tar heroin, brown heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a semi-automatic pistol and $835 in cash from Peters and the residence.
This was Peters’ second recorded arrest for illegal drugs. In early 2017, detectives with the Drug Task Force arrested him on Ann Street in Bogalusa for distribution of heroin and possession of marijuana. At the time of his arrest, Peters had $1,950 in his pockets.
“The combination of heroin and fentanyl is a recipe for death,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “It is unconscionable that anyone would profit from the sale of such poison. At the same time, it defies logic why anyone would ingest such poison into their system. It is always good when our officers remove a drug dealer from our streets and place him in the Washington Parish Jail where space is always available for those who peddle toxic substances in our community.”
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's reports the arrest Saturday (March 18, 2023) of a 13-year-old student for terrorizing.
School administrators at Clearwood Junior High School called the STPSO after they were made aware a student had posted images on social media depicting him hold a firearm while making threats directed at the school.
The student was taken into custody that same day and was arrested and booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center.
“The safety of our children is of the utmost importance,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “We will continue to take threats like this very seriously and will work with our school administrators to investigate any and all threats made toward our schools or to the students and faculty who attend them. Parents, please talk to your children and explain the seriousness of making threats like this, even in a joking manner.”
Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Z. Truong would like to invite all youth in grades 8-11, residing within the city
limits of Bogalusa to apply for a seat on the Mayor’s Youth Council!
Over the coming year, this group of bright scholars will develop their individual leadership skills, strengthen the community through meaningful volunteerism, and give the Mayor insight into the issues impacting the younger community.
Applications are available at all schools in the City that host the aforementioned grade levels and the deadline to turn them into your school’s office is Friday, March 31st!