To clear up any misconceptions regarding the “No True Bill” determinations by the Caddo Parish Grand Jury that was released to the media Friday.

 

Pursuant to my policy, ALL homicide Caddo Parish homicide cases are brought before the Grand Jury to decide charges.   These were reviews presented to our office from the Shreveport Police Department because there were deaths involved. There were NO arrests made in the five (5) cases presented to the Caddo Parish Grand Jury that resulted in No True Bills.

1. On February 8, 2021, the suspect/decedent shot into the victim’s home, left, returned wearing a ski mask, kicked in the door, and shot one (1) female victim. Her relative shot the decedent in self-defense of her and other family members present in the home

2. On March 20, 2021, at approximately 2:20 a.m., the suspect/decedent arrived at the victim’s home. The suspect/decedent began threatening the homeowner to fight. The suspect/decedent produced a firearm causing the victim to get his firearm and shoot the suspect/decedent to protect himself and several family members.

3. On July 28, 2021, an elderly couple in their seventies were awakened to the suspect/decedent entering their property by jumping over an 8-foot rod iron fence and crouching by a window. The victim armed himself and asked the intruder to leave. The intruder came at the elderly gentleman in an aggressive manner, and the victim shot the suspect/decedent in self-defense.

4. The fourth homicide occurred on November 28, 2021, involving a custody exchange. The decedent was bringing his child to their mother when he and the mother’s boyfriend had a verbal exchange. They both brandished firearms shooting each other. The decedent died from his injuries, and the other shooter survived. Witness accounts indicate they shot simultaneously.

5. The 5th shooting occurred on January 7, 2022. The decedent got into a verbal argument and then physically struck the shooter, who then shot once, striking the decedent. The decedent had previously brandished a firearm before the shooting took place.

A “no true bill” means the Grand Jury did not find probable cause to continue a case.  To be clear, THERE WERE NO ARRESTS IN ANY OF THESE CASES. The Caddo Parish Grand Jury correctly resolved these matters.  

It appears that the role of the Grand Jury is not understood and is being undervalued. The citizens who make up the Grand Jury have the ability to evaluate cases, review evidence and listen to witnesses. This a tremendous task that they do not take lightly. They are fully aware and understand the legal ramifications of their decisions. Their service is critical to the criminal justice system. Their job is to seek truth and justice. Justice at times of self-defense results in NO TRUE BILLS.