Bayou Justice

05/31/2024

Within days of researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launching a new investigation into possible links between heart inflammation and the COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, a healthy 44-year-old Ponchatoula Police Officer has died from heart compli

05/24/2024

This week's Bayou Justice newspaper column...

Lori Matte wrote me recently to say her family—including her brother, who is a Louisiana State Trooper—has no clues regarding who killed her 45-year-old brother or why. “Monday, July 19, 2004, was a regular day for David,” Lori wrote. “Everything went fine at work, and he went about his us...

05/10/2024

Family and friends are still trying to piece together the unsolved murder of 21-year-old Loston Tiner Jr.

04/15/2024

After decades of denying the facts, Reginald Reed Jr. has accepted the evidence that his father brutally slaughtered his mother in 1987. “Reggie Junior,” who was a child when his mother died, also says he has forgiven his father.

04/15/2024

I met crime fiction author James Patterson at a California writer’s conference over ten years ago. He told me how he studied true crime to stay grounded in his work, and ten years later, he dropped me a note, commending me on a column. He said the case I wrote about would haunt him. He wished he c...

04/15/2024

https://bayoujustice.com/2024/03/louisiana-safety-inspectors-death-remains-suspicious/

Two weeks ago, I wrote about John Barnett, 62, the Louisiana resident who “committed su***de” hours before completing a legal deposition testifying against his former employer, Boeing. Before boarding the plane for court in Charleston, South Carolina, Barnett told friends and family, “If you h...

04/11/2024

There were moments of anger, resentment, and confusion, and I often struggled with conflicting emotions.

04/10/2024

Naked Axe-wielding in St. Tammany Parish--Apparently, this was the lady's second offense.

03/28/2024

TANGI PARISH - The plot thickens…. "It's like he fell off the face of the Earth."

➡️MISSING:
Stephen Cottier, 52, of Hammond

➡️DETAILS:
▪️On 10/13/2023, was the last time Darlene Davis talked to her nephew, Stephen Cottier. Darlene said he was excited about his future.

▪️Cottier was a cement truck pump operator & had plans of starting his own business. “He was trying to pull things together & was going to let me know how it worked out the next week, & I didn’t hear from him,” Darlene said

▪️When Cottier suddenly disappeared, friends & family were confused & frustrated, saying it felt like, “he fell off the face of the earth,” said Davis. “It’s like, where is he.”

▪️According to the TPSO, Cottier was last seen on 10/13/2023. Davis says he was visiting a friend in Covington.

▪️The next day authorities say Cottier sent a text to another friend that he was headed home to Hammond. He never made it. “We’re all just kind of frustrated & waiting & just puzzled by what could have happened to him,” said Davis.

▪️After being reported missing by his roommate, local hospitals were called. Cottier hadn’t been to any of them. Family members called & texted his phone but got no response. “After so many days the phone just died, I guess. It just tells you that number is unavailable, & the mailbox is full,” said Davis.

▪️Cottier grew up in Jefferson Parish. He spent some time working out of state before moving to Hammond about a year ago. “He loved to go fishing & he was a real fun guy, always joking around,” said Davis.

▪️Davis stays in touch with the lead detective on the case weekly. Says investigators are following any leads that come in & searching through Cottier’s background for clues.
When asked whether those weekly talks bring any hope, Davis said they haven’t. “Not at this point,” said Davis. “It’s still under investigation. So, they’re kind of limited in what they can tell me.”

▪️“It’s not normal. He’s always been in touch, either with friends or family,” said Davis, who lives in North Carolina. She knows information will be limited & just wishes the family could do something. “We just feel helpless,” said Davis. “I don’t know what else we could do.”

▪️The TPSO hasn’t released any details about the case but released the following statement: "Our detectives are working this investigation thoroughly, but unfortunately have not received any information that could help in locating Mr. Cottier. Our hopes are that by increasing the reward, someone with information would come forward & help solve this case, but unfortunately, no information has been received."

▪️TPSO is offering a $5,000 reward in this case. If you happen to know anything about this case call the sheriff’s office at 985-902-2017 or Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245

03/18/2024

Several suspected members of a locally based criminal organization known as the Vulture Gang “VG” and some of their associates are back in jail following a three-month-long joint investigation by the 𝐒𝐭. 𝐓𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟’𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 and 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.

On Thursday (March 14), STPSO detectives and HSI agents executed search warrants at the following residences:
🏠 The home of 22-year-old Jaylon Terry Carter at the Pinecrest Apartments in Covington
🏠 The home of 28-year-old Malik Deshawn Anderson, which was being utilized for criminal activity by both Anderson and 25-year-old Diego Montez Smith, in the 800 block of N. Filmore Street in Covington
🏠 The family residence of 28-year-old Rico Alonzo Bedford, which was being utilized for criminal activity by both Bedford and 30-year-old Mikail Omar Washington, in the 20000 block of Bogue Falaya Avenue in Covington
🏠 The primary residence of Rico Bedford and his girlfriend, 30-year-old Angelique Monique Domino, in the 100 block of Marylin Drive in Slidell

During their investigation into the VG organization, detectives and agents seized the following illegal items:
🔹 Approximately 5,700 counterfeit oxycodone tablets containing fentanyl (nearly 2 pounds)
🔹 Approximately 3 pounds of ma*****na
🔹 37 Alprazolam tablets (Xanax)
🔹 6.1 grams of psilocybin
🔹 1.8 grams of amphetamine powder
🔹 1 oxycodone tablet
🔹 1 bottle of promethazine
🔹 $5,128 in cash
🔹 Assorted drug paraphernalia indicative of the street level distribution of illegal drugs
As a result, several arrests were made.

🔗Jaylon Terry Carter, who is currently on supervised probation for a previous conviction of possession of a schedule IV controlled dangerous substance and illegal carrying of weapons, was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the following charges:
• 3 counts of L.R.S. 40:967A Distribution of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl)
• 1 count of L.R.S. 40:966AC Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance (ma*****na)
• 1 count of L.R.S. 40:967C Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Oxycodone)
• 1 count of L.R.S. 40:969C Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substance (Alprazolam)
• 1 count of L.R.S. 40:1041 Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses
• 1 count of L.R.S. 40:1023 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

🔗Diego Montez Smith, who is currently on supervised probation for attempted illegal carrying of weapons, possession of stolen fi****ms and possession with the intent to distribute ma*****na, was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the following charges:
• 1 count of L.R.S. 40:966AC Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance (ma*****na)
• 1 count of L.R.S. 40:967AC Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Fentanyl)
• 1 count of L.R.S. 40:1023 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Attachment for Driving under Suspension

🔗Rico Alonzo Bedford, who is currently on supervised probation for possession of co***ne and was out on bond for Racketeering (previous Vulture Gang case), attempted possession of a firearm by convicted felon and possession of a firearm by convicted felon, was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the following charges:
• 1 count of L.R.S. 40:966AC Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous substance (ma*****na)
• 1 count of L.R.S. 40:969AC Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substance (Alprazolam)
• 2 counts of L.R.S. 40:1060.13 Possession of a Legend Drug
• 2 counts of L.R.S. 40:1023 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Summons for 1 count of L.R.S. 40:966C Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance (ma*****na)

🔗Mikail Omar Washington, who was out on bond for Racketeering (previous Vulture Gang case), attempted second-degree murder and possession of a schedule I controlled dangerous substance, was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the following charges:
• 1 count of L.R.S. 40:966AC Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance (ma*****na)
• 1 count of L.R.S. 40:969AC Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substance (alprazolam)
• 1 count of L.R.S. 40:1060.13 Possession of a Legend Drug
• 1 count of L.R.S. 40:1023 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Summons for 1 count of L.R.S. 40:966C Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance (ma*****na)

🔗Malik Deshawn Anderson was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the following charges:
• 1 count of L.R.S. 40:967C Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (amphetamines)
• 1 count of L.R.S. 40:966C Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance (ma*****na)

🔗Angelique Monique Domino was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the following charges:
• 2 counts of L.R.S. 40:966C Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance (psilocybin)

This investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.

“We have a great partnership with Homeland Security, and the detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Narcotics Unit work closely with them to identify those individuals dealing illegal drugs in our community,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “These arrests are because of that strong partnership. Together we want to send a clear message that gang activity will not be tolerated in St. Tammany Parish.”

03/15/2024

This week's Bayou Justice considers su***des that may be murder.

Retired safety manager John Barnett was to answer questions Saturday as part of a deposition related to a legal dispute with his former employer, Boeing, related to safety concerns he had raised. He never made it to court. The week before his death, Barnette told friends and family, “If you hear I...

03/08/2024

This matter is too necessary and long overdue. Our politicians need to stop playing political games with people’s lives and make this happen. As another John Kennedy once said, “Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer.”

03/03/2024

03/01/2024

This week's Bayou Justice newspaper column...

Scotland Yard identified several key suspects in the infamous White Chapel murders of 1888. Today, few recall that the only American suspected of being “Jack the Ripper” was jailed in New Orleans before moving to London.

02/23/2024

This week's Bayou Justice newspaper column...

Friday morning, June 22, 1900, 17-year-old Joseph Ray Ott told his Springfield neighbors he found his 68-year-old aunt in a bloody pulp next to her sewing machine, according to The New Orleans Daily Picayune. The case remains unsolved almost 124 years later.

02/16/2024

This week's Bayou Justice newspaper column...

Last year, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office charged a Louisiana woman with first-degree murder and obstruction of justice for allegedly killing her boyfriend’s 6-year-old daughter and burying the remains in a bucket in her mother’s front yard.

02/15/2024

Folks, many have been asking when the Bayou Justice book series would be available in audio book format. That times has come, and for a limited time, you can download the first book free of charge!

Check out this great listen on Audible.com. Call them anything but closed cases.Who killed attorneys Margaret C**n and Donna Bahm?Why would someone butcher a 26-year-old bank teller?Did the mafia assassinate Senator Huey Long?What happened to the Grinch who stole shotguns?Louisiana's foremost expe.....

02/09/2024

Book signing and Audrey Moate discussion this Saturday at 10 in LaPlace. Ya'll come see us!

Saturday morning at 10, HL Arledge will be speaking at the St. John the Baptist Parish Library in LaPlace, recounting the murder of Thomas Hotard and the disappearance of Audrey Moate. He will also be signing books.

02/07/2024

This week's Bayou Justice newspaer column...

The New Orleans Police Department reported this week that a family of four—forced from their home by a Honduran drug cartel—boarded a Greyhound in New Orleans two months ago and vanished before reaching their destination.

02/05/2024

Crash Claims Life of Accomplice in Selonia Reed murder

February 5, 2024

Hammond, LA - The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office reports the death of two Hammond men, following a single vehicle crash on Wardline Road.

Sheriff Daniel Edwards says on January 27, 2024, at approximately 12:31 AM, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office was notified of and responded to a single vehicle crash on Wardline Road just east of Durbin Road.

The initial investigation revealed that 64 year old Jimmy Ray Barnes was operating a 2005 Chrysler Town & Country van west bound on Wardline Road. For reasons still being investigated, the Chrysler van entered the shoulder of the roadway and lost control before impacting several trees. Jimmy Ray Barnes and his passenger, 58 year old Cleveland Barnes, were both pronounced deceased on scene.

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office Major Crash Team is still currently investigating this incident.

Jimmy Ray Barnes, along with Reginald Reed, were charged in the 1987 murder of Selonia Reed. Reginald Reed is presently serving a life sentence for the crime.

Jimmy Ray Barnes, released for time served, was a resident of Atlanta, Georgia, in town for the funeral of his twin brother, Billy Ray Barnes, 64, of Hammond, who died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. His service was Saturday, Jan. 27, at Lincoln Park Baptist Church in Hammond with interment Holly Gardens Cemetery through arrangements with the N.A. James Funeral Home.

02/04/2024

This week's newspaper column...

On April 19, 1914, The Times-Picayune reported that New Orleans-born heiress Minnie Wallace inherited one-fourth of the estate of Chicago businessman, financier, and railroad magnate Delancey Horton Louderbach after the man died suddenly from “accidentally swallowing poison.” Coincidentally, yea...

02/01/2024

A special thanks to the Hammond Kiwanis Club for inviting me out this week. I really enjoyed the visit.

The Dixie Mafia, the murder of Selonia Reed and a 1975 Hammond hostage incident were the topics of the day at Hammond Kiwanis Club's meeting Tuesday.

01/23/2024

In 1995, long before we knew the name Jeffrey Epstein, the trial, imprisonment, escape, and su***de of a woman newspapers called “The Baton Rouge Madam” made national news.

01/23/2024

Two years ago this month, the daughter of a missing St. Helena Parish man called me, asking Bayou Justice to shine some light on the disappearance of her father, who vanished one year ago from the Hall and Lindsey Road area, a short thoroughfare northwest of Greensburg, between Louisiana Highways 10

01/23/2024

The 7-year-old daughter of a New Orleans television star found her mother, Diddie Cooper, naked and strangled on a Sunday morning in 1952.

01/23/2024

For some, the holidays are not happy times. Instead, it is time to remember and mourn friends and relatives who have vanished without a trace. Perhaps we can help change that for one family this week.

01/23/2024

Before I started this column, when someone said “Bayou Justice,” I usually thought of this story. My great-grandfather, W. O. “Paw Bill” Courtney, retold it routinely when I was a kid. My grandmother, “Maw Telliua,” insisted he had embellished some of it. I never cared. I loved the story...