John Paul Seals Pleads Guilty to 2021 Homicide in Angie

Just as jury selection was set to begin today in the Washington Parish Courthouse, John Paul Seals, age 45 and of Angie, Louisiana, entered a guilty plea for the 2021 killing of Kevin Bryce Blackmon. The plea concludes a gruesome case involving a residential struggle, an attempted cover-up by fire, and a multi-agency forensic investigation.

Seals pleaded guilty to Manslaughter and Obstruction of Justice. Under the terms of the agreement, the Honorable Judge Ellen M. Creel sentenced Seals to 35 years with the Department of Corrections, to be served concurrently.

The case dates back to October 11, 2021, on Monroe Creek Road in Angie, Louisiana. While Seals initially claimed the death was the result of self-defense and an accidental fire, evidence compiled by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Washington Parish Coroner’s Office told a different story.

Forensic analysis confirmed that Kevin Blackmon was already deceased before his body was burned. Investigators determined that a heated argument occurred at the residence, where Seals killed Blackmon and attempted to destroy evidence by burning the interior carpet. Seals then transported the victim’s body in Blackmon’s own truck to a nearby creek.

The getaway was thwarted when Seals became stuck on a utility pole guide wire. In a final attempt to destroy evidence, he used accelerants to set the vehicle and the body on fire, accidentally catching his own clothing ablaze in the process. Before fleeing the state, Seals submerged the victim’s 9mm pistol in a sandbar and discarded a knife used in the attack.

The sentencing was marked by emotional statements from the victim’s family. The victim’s mother offered a powerful message of grace, stating that she did not hate Seals or wish for his death, but sought only the justice she felt was delivered today.

In a stark contrast, Blackmon’s sister addressed the defendant directly, stating she hoped he would see her brother’s face every time he closed his eyes until the very last time he closed them.

"The resolution of this case ensures that a violent, repeat offender is removed from our community for a significant period," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "This plea provides the family of Kevin Blackmon with the certainty of a conviction and the closure of a long, painful chapter. Our office remains committed to holding those who devalue human life accountable."

District Attorney Sims extends his gratitude to the Assistant District Attorneys Tiffany Dover and Iain Dover for their diligent work in preparing this case for trial. This successful prosecution was made possible through the seamless collaboration of several agencies, including the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police Crime Lab, Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, Louisiana State University (LSU) FACES Lab, and the Washington Parish Coroner’s Office.