April brought continued focus on domestic violence prevention and a series of significant court developments in Caddo Parish, according to District Attorney James E. Stewart Sr.
A new Domestic Violence Center opened at 1501 Corporate Drive under the leadership of Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn. The center is working alongside the District Attorneys of Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center and Project Celebration to expand access to services for victims, including protective orders, housing assistance and other support.
Officials also acknowledged the impact of recent gun violence, noting multiple child fatalities in Shreveport and across the state, as well as the death of a 17-year-old visiting Baton Rouge. The statement expressed condolences to the families affected.
Throughout April, the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, First Judicial District Court and Juvenile Court handled numerous cases.
A Caddo Parish grand jury indicted Anthony Earl Edwards, 58, of Shreveport, on a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the June 28, 2025 death of Rosalind Sims, 70. Authorities said Sims was struck and killed by her own vehicle, allegedly driven by Edwards.
In court proceedings, Brandon Lawyne Batiste, 32, was found guilty of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm in connection with a 2023 shooting near a downtown nightclub that resulted in the death of John Ruffin Jr. He faces a mandatory life sentence, with additional penalties pending sentencing scheduled for May 27.
Michael Hollister, 45, of Bossier City, was convicted of misdemeanor domestic abuse battery following a bench trial. He was sentenced to a $300 fine, court costs, six months in jail with all but 48 hours suspended and one year of supervised probation.
Amanvir Singh, 36, was sentenced to life in prison for the 2024 shooting death of Gurpreet Judge following a dispute tied to social media posts.
Darrtavious Tuvoya Lewis, 22, pleaded guilty to aggravated flight from an officer after leading police on a high-speed chase in April 2025. Sentencing is set for June 16.
Frederick Dewayne McKinley, 32, was convicted of attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and faces up to seven and a half years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for May 20.
Monolo Anton Baker, 47, was found guilty of possessing a stolen firearm and possession of a weapon with an obliterated serial number.
Kendrell Quinte Thomas, 24, was sentenced as a habitual offender to life in prison for home invasion and cruelty to persons with infirmities involving a 91-year-old victim. He also received a concurrent 30-year sentence.
Dewayne Ray Jackson, 61, pleaded guilty to sexual battery involving a child under 13 and faces a sentence ranging from 25 to 99 years, with sentencing set for June 29.
Jace Greenslate, 19, of DeBerry, Texas, was sentenced to five years in parish jail, with four years suspended, for negligent homicide in connection with a 2023 Mardi Gras shooting.
Willie Thomas Bryant, 69, was sentenced to a total of 50 years in prison for sexual battery and indecent behavior involving a juvenile under 13.
Victrick Frazier Johnson, 36, pleaded guilty to two counts of molestation of a juvenile under 13 and was sentenced to two concurrent 40-year prison terms.
The district attorney’s office said it remains committed to addressing violent crime, supporting victims and prosecuting offenders, particularly in cases involving children and domestic violence.