Bogalusa Police Charge Two in Poplas Quarters Homicide

On Friday (December 8, 2023), just before 10:00 a.m., Officers of the Bogalusa Police Department responded to the 1100 Block of Ann Street in reference to shots being fired with a possible victim being involved. 

Once on scene, a male subject with multiple apparent gunshot wounds, was observed laying in the roadway near the intersection of Ann and Convenience Steet. Officers and Northshore EMS checked the victim for signs of life but none were present. The victim, identified as 28 year-old Ranshad Jefferson, was pronounced deceased on scene. 

While processing the scene and canvassing the area, the suspect, later identified as 20 year-old Journell Nelson, was observed running away from the scene through an alleyway. After a brief foot pursuit, Nelson was apprehended. Officers also recovered a handgun from the person of Nelson. 

A second subject, identified as Gwendalyn Speights, was also located and arrested for her involvement in the incident. 

Nelson was arrested and booked on the charges of Second Degree Murder, Attempted Second Degree Murder, Illegal Use of Weapons, Illegal Carrying of Weapons and Resisting an Officer. 

Speights was arrested and booked on the charges of Principal to Second Degree Murder and Principal to Attempted Second Degree Murder.