Regrets and joys in life

We’ve all heard the words, “You need to stop and smell the roses.” That actually means we need to take the time to enjoy the moment. We need to be mentally present. Some of the best times in our lives are not always moments of fireworks going off. 

Sometimes it’s those less important events that provide just as much joy. Today, I’ll go over a few events in my life that I truly cherish, along with some I regret. 

There was one moment of regret during my Little League days. Even though I played all sports, I was also a dedicated Boy Scout. Being a scout during the 1970s was very common for a young boy. 

But the one regret I have is the fact that I was one project away from becoming an Eagle Scout and never completed it. This is the highest achievement a scout can earn. It means a lot to become an Eagle Scout and looks good on a job resume. It gets the attention of an employer looking to hire you as it shows your ability to commit to a task and follow through. 

I’ll admit that my baseball career, which was more important to me at that time, got in the way of my accomplishing the goal of receiving an Eagle Scout badge. 

One event that’s given me a lifetime of both pride and joy was being a member of the 1978 Class 3A Texas state baseball championship team. Any time you can share the experience of winning a state title, especially with your closest friends, it just means more. 

I can remember our head coach giving us a post-game speech after winning the state title. He said that this victory would mean more to us later in life than it did that day. How right he was!

That Texas state title whet my appetite for another one the next year. But nothing is harder than defending a state championship and regretfully we came up one game short of a repeat trip to the state tournament.

Another joy also comes with some regret. The day I got drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1983 brought so much joy. But after two seasons of playing in their minor league system, it was very apparent I had zero chance to make it to the major league level with the Expos. 

Montreal at the time had three Major League Baseball All-Stars in their outfield with Tim Rains, Andre Dawson and Warren Cromartie. It may have been the best outfield in the big leagues at that time. There was no room to move up in the organization unless one of these three got hurt or traded. My regret after leaving the Expos is turning down a Double A contract from the San Francisco Giants that would have extended my baseball career. 

While sports have been a huge part of my life, nothing has given me as much competitive  joy as bass fishing. As a kid growing up on a ranch, there was no shortage of stock ponds to fish. I basically learned on my own, along with reading Bassmaster Magazine stories on how to catch bass. 

I have spent hundreds of days fishing the banks of five different stock ponds loaded with good bass. I was always so proud to bring a stringer full of bass back home for a good fish fry.

Tournament bass fishing has given me much joy over the past 36 years especially with all the friends I have met and shared so many good times while fishing tournament trails and fishing some of the best lakes in the country.

Another joy in my life has been the creation of the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show. This was a brainstorm of mine back in 2007 that I felt was much needed. Nineteen years later, the show is still going strong! Each week for 52 weeks out of the year I get to talk about issues related to God’s great outdoors. My relationship with my two other co-hosts, Gary McCoy and Mike Echols, makes doing the program so enjoyable. 

But my greatest joy came the day I signed a scholarship to continue my athletic career/education to Northwestern State University where I met Sherrie, my wife of 44 years. We then celebrated the births of our three children Brittany, Meredith and Brandon. 

To this day, raising of these three blessings has been my greatest accomplishment and one that has ZERO regrets!

Each of us has so many events or situations over the course of a lifetime that we can look back on with either joy or regret. As life continues to give us both good and bad times, just the fact that we are still waking up every day means we have so much joy to look forward to, and hopefully no regrets.  


Historic milestones mark April 8 across science, leadership, and culture

April 8 has marked several significant turning points in global history, from groundbreaking scientific achievements to the loss of influential leaders whose legacies continue to shape modern society.

One of the most notable events tied to this date occurred in 1974, when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s long-standing home run record by hitting his 715th career home run. The moment was more than a sports milestone—it represented perseverance and dignity in the face of intense racial hostility. Aaron’s achievement became a defining moment in American sports history and a symbol of progress during a turbulent era.

April 8 is also remembered for the death of Margaret Thatcher in 2013, the United Kingdom’s first female prime minister. Known as the “Iron Lady,” Thatcher served from 1979 to 1990 and played a key role in reshaping British economic policy through deregulation and privatization. Her leadership remains a subject of debate, but her impact on global politics is undeniable.

In science and exploration, April 8, 1960, marked the introduction of the first weather satellite system capable of transmitting cloud images from space. This advancement revolutionized meteorology, providing forecasters with unprecedented tools to predict storms and monitor climate patterns. Today’s satellite technology traces its roots back to these early innovations.

April 8 also carries significance in civil rights history. In 1968, just days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King led a silent march in Memphis, continuing her husband’s work and demonstrating the enduring strength of the movement. The march drew thousands and reinforced calls for justice and equality.

From sports achievements to political leadership and scientific breakthroughs, April 8 stands as a date marked by resilience, innovation, and lasting influence across multiple fields.


Remembering David Stanley Knight

David Stanley Knight, 80, of Shreveport, Louisiana, died March 29, 2026, after an eight-month battle with bile duct cancer. He was born June 22, 1945, in Jefferson, Texas. He graduated from Jefferson High School and later received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Stephen F. Austin State University. While attending Stephen F. Austin, he met the love of his life, Kathie Lindsay, and they married shortly after graduation in 1968. He served in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. After his military service, he returned to school at Tulane University, where he earned his Ph.D. Following his graduation from Tulane, the family moved from New Orleans to Shreveport, where David worked at the LSU Medical School as a professor in the Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy for over 30 years, retiring in 2011. 

In his free time, he enjoyed reading, watching classic films, listening to music, and woodworking. In his later years, he especially enjoyed spending time at the Red River Wildlife Refuge in Bossier City. He was also a talented artist who created many sketches and watercolor paintings. David and Kathie loved to travel and especially enjoyed visiting lighthouses. David was a wise man with a gracious heart. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Roberson Knight; his mother, Willie Ethel Trice Knight; and his beloved wife of 54 years, Kathie Ann Lindsay Knight. 

He is survived by his two sons, David Stanley Knight, Jr. and Steven Michael Knight (Tina); his two grandchildren, Kaylee Knight and Brittany Welch (Josh); and his three great-grandchildren, Corbin, Evelyn Grace, and Oaklyn. He is also survived by his sisters, Robbie Fortune, Ellen Stephenson (Barney), Anne Turner (Gaylon), and Susie Briscoe (Bobby); and his brother, Dan Knight. 

A private memorial will take place in Jefferson, Texas, at a later date with family and close friends.

David’s last words were to wake up every day with a smile and to always be kind to one another.


Remembering Gerald ” Jerry” Bremer

February 18, 1935 — April 4, 2026

Gerald “Jerry” Bremer, a devoted husband, respected veteran, and beloved member of his community, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Born on February 18, 1935, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Jerry lived a life marked by dedication, service, and quiet strength.

Jerry was a proud graduate of Fort Smith High School, where he began laying the groundwork for a lifetime of achievement and determination. Following his graduation, he answered the call of duty, serving his country honorably for 20 years in the United States Air Force. His military career was a cornerstone of his identity, reflecting a steadfast commitment to protecting and serving his nation.

Beyond his military service, Jerry found fulfillment in a fruitful career at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where his dedication earned him various employment awards—a testament to his work ethic and compassion toward fellow veterans. His professional accomplishments stand as a reminder of his unwavering commitment to excellence and service.

Jerry was a man of diverse interests, finding joy and challenge in crossword puzzles, which he pursued with characteristic diligence and enthusiasm. He was also a cherished member of Broadmoor United Methodist Church, where his faith and community spirit were deeply nurtured.

His family and friends remember him fondly alongside his cherished wife, Eleanor “Ann” Bremer, who stood by his side through the years with love and steadfast support. Jerry also leaves behind his niece, Sheri (Mike) Bates; and nephews, Steve Carpenter and Tom (Laura) Carpenter, who carry forward his legacy of kindness and strength. Jerry was preceded in death by his loving parents, Rudolph and Lottie Bremer, whose memory remained a guiding light throughout his life.

Jerry’s faithful companion, Spider the dog, was a constant source of comfort and companionship, embodying the warmth and loyalty that defined his relationship with those he loved.

As we reflect on Jerry’s life, we are reminded of the enduring impact he made on all who knew him—through his service, his work, and the simple, everyday presence that brought comfort and joy to his family and friends.

The Bremer family invites those wishing to honor Jerry’s memory to consider making memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in recognition of his lasting commitment to helping others.

Jerry Bremer’s life was one of quiet valor and heartfelt devotion—a true testament to a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.


Notice of Death – April 7, 2026

Carol Rich Meshelle
August 20, 1943 – April 6, 2026
Service: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 11am at The Acts Church, Shreveport. 

Randa Durham
October 2, 1946 — April 5, 2026
Service: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport. 

Patricia Ginn
July 14, 1950 – April 5, 2026
Service: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 10am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Shannette Marshall
October 9, 1972 – April 5, 2026
Service: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 11am at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, Shreveport.

William “Bill” Earl Savage
November 10, 1949 — April 5, 2026
Service: Friday, April 10, 2026, 12:30pm at Rose-Neath Cemetery, Shreveport. 

Patricia A. Washington
October 29, 1954 – April 4, 2026
Service: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 12pm at Walnut Hill St. Mary Baptist Church Cemetery, Shreveport.

Jessie Rickey Hughes
July 22, 1959 — April 3, 2026
Service: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 11am at Walnut Hill Baptist Church, Vivian.

Frances Hightower Ledbetter
May 18, 1934 — April 3, 2026
Service: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.

Minda Black
November 20, 1941 – April 2, 2026
Service: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 11am at New Zion Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Charles Tate Erwin, Jr.
October 22, 1946 — April 2, 2026
Service: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 2pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.

Katherine Gayle Hughes
February 22, 1944 — April 2, 2026
Service: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 10:30am at Rose Park Baptist Church, Shreveport. 

Dorothy Ellen Solberg
April 30, 1942 – April 2, 2026
Service: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 1:30pm at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Keithville.

Elwin D. Burton
July 30, 1960 – April 1, 2026
Service: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 11am at Memorial Funeral Home, Plain Dealing.

Gussie Faye Jones
October 27, 1962 – April 1, 2026
Service: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 1pm at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Kathryn Griffin-Dixon
February 14, 1948 – March 31, 2026
Service: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 1pm at Benevolent Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Marlon Jackson
July 30, 1967 – March 29, 2026
Service: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 11am at Galilee Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Jackeith Raydell Baker
September 7, 1981 – March 28, 2026
Service: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 3pm at First Baptist Church, Vivian.

Doris Thompson
October 6, 1931 – March 26, 2026
Service: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 2pm at Haven’s Park, Shreveport.

Ronnie Hubert Brasher
March 9, 1949 — March 23, 2026
Service: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 3:30pm at The Covenant Church, Bossier City. 

Alyne Shaw Watson
June 2, 1939 — March 22, 2026
Service: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 2pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City. 

Carol Ward
March 11, 1962 – March 17, 2026
Service: Friday, April 17, 2026, 11am at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport. 

Delilah Ann Darden
November 6, 1952 — March 2, 2026
Service: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Shreveport.

The Shreveport-Bossier Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or SBJNewsLa@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to SBJNewsLa@gmail.com.)

April 7, 2026

Shreveport police identify suspect in package thefts; arrest made with assistance from DeSoto Parish

A suspect connected to a series of package thefts across multiple neighborhoods has been identified and taken into custody, according to the Shreveport Police Department.

Detectives began investigating several reports of stolen deliveries that occurred March 17–18. Authorities said the incidents involved a repeat offender targeting front porches and taking packages in broad daylight.

Through the use of home security footage and tips from the public, investigators identified the suspect as Wesley Carl Blevins, 39.

Detectives obtained warrants for five counts of theft of a package. With assistance from the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Blevins was located and arrested while asleep in the same vehicle believed to have been used during the crimes.

Officials said Blevins is also facing additional narcotics-related charges in DeSoto Parish. He is currently awaiting extradition back to Caddo Parish.

Authorities remind residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, noting that theft investigations often rely on community cooperation and surveillance footage.


From the Desk of the DA

Our office had a busy March.  Among cases of public interest:

* Our office will seek the death penalty against the accused slayer of a Vivian police officer killed late last year. 

Nicholas Edward Alexander, 58, of Vivian, is accused of firing shots that killed Officer Marc Brock, 25, the evening of November 14, 2025. Brock and a fellow officer were attempting to serve an arrest warrant for cyberstalking. After the officers announced themselves and attempted entry, Alexander fired two shotgun blasts through the closed front door, striking and mortally wounding Brock. The officer died later that night.

This case involves the killing of a law enforcement officer who was performing his duty to protect the community. Our office is committed to pursuing justice for Officer Brock, his family, and the community he served.

Alexander was indicted by a Caddo Parish Grand Jury on February 10 on one count of first-degree murder and the three related misdemeanor charges.

On March 10, 2026, the office formally filed notice of its intent to seek the death penalty related to the first-degree murder charge.

Under Louisiana law, the killing of a peace officer is punishable by life in prison at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence or by death, in accordance with the determination of the jury.

The case is docket No. 413238.

* A Shreveport man whose criminal past prevents him from possessing a firearm was convicted of that crime March 19.

The eight-woman, four-man jury in District Judge Donald E. Hathaway’s court deliberated 30 minutes before returning its unanimous guilty-as-charged verdict against Germaine Marquise Jack, 26. 

Early January 13, 2025, Shreveport Police Officer Rodrick Carter was patrolling near the intersection of Gilbert Drive and Kings Highway when he observed a man in all-black clothing travelling on a bicycle without proper lighting equipment. Officer Carter stopped the subject and attempted to identify him. The man was unable to produce any form of ID but provided his name so the officer could run a background check. While checking for warrants, Officer Carter observed the outline of a firearm from the man’s front hoodie pocket. Officer Carter then patted the defendant down and confirmed there was a Sig Sauer P365 9MM pistol in the hoodie pocket. Officer Carter then confirmed that the man, who proved to be Mr. Jack, had been convicted of three counts simple burglary in 2019, which prohibited him from possessing a firearm. 

When Mr. Jack returns to court April 2, he faces a prison term of at least five and up to 20 years at hard labor. However, if adjudicated to be a habitual offender, he could be sentenced up to life in prison.

Jack was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Chase Burgess and Jason Waltman. He was represented by the Caddo Parish Indigent Defender’s office.

The case was docket No. 406295.

* A Shreveport man who forced himself sexually upon a teenaged female family member, and who has a history of such behavior, was found guilty of second-degree rape March 18.

The six-man, six-woman jury in District Judge Ramona Emanuel’s court deliberated about 20 minutes before returning its unanimous guilty verdict against Floyd Lee Cathron, 61. Jurors heard testimony from the victim and her mother, as well as the victim’s counselor, a forensic interviewer and three police officers detailing the January 10, 2024 attack. Jurors also heard testimony regarding four prior instances of the defendant having sexual intercourse with children.

For conviction of second-degree rape, Cathron faces a prison term of up to 40 years at hard labor and lifetime registration as a sex offender when he returns to court for sentencing April 7. He also faces enhanced sentencing due to his prior criminal convictions for aggravated incest, aggravated rape and two counts of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile stemming from convictions in the early 2000s. The state also will seek enforcement of the new Louisiana castration law for sex offenders given Cathron’s prior history and his new conviction.

Cathron was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Fernando Grider Jr. and Senae D. Hall. He was defended by Royal Alexander and Dave Knadler.

The case was docket No. 405583.

* A Shreveport man was found guilty March 18 of domestic violence crimes, including strangulation of a dating partner, battery of a dating partner with child endangerment and 15 counts of violating protective orders. 

The unanimous verdicts against Lazavieyon Rashad Thomas, 36, returned by the jury after an hour’s deliberation, concluded a three-day trial before District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr.

Evidence presented at trial established that on February 28, 2025, Mr. Thomas strangled an intimate partner during a custody exchange. The victim sustained visible injuries, including bruising to her neck and an arm, and hair was torn from her head during the assault, which occurred in the presence of a minor child.

Law enforcement responded to the scene, and emergency medical personnel were called due to the victim’s difficulty breathing. The victim later sought treatment at a local medical facility, reporting neck pain and difficulty swallowing, both consistent with strangulation injuries.

As part of its case, the state presented expert testimony in domestic violence and intimate partner violence to assist the jury in understanding the dynamics of abusive relationships, including patterns of power, control and victim behavior.

Prosecutors also introduced evidence of Mr. Thomas’s prior abusive conduct toward former intimate partners over the period 2012-2015.

Despite the existence of a court-issued protective order prohibiting contact, the defendant repeatedly violated that order while incarcerated. Evidence introduced at trial showed that the defendant made multiple phone calls and sent numerous text messages to the victim, resulting in fifteen separate counts of violation of a protective order.

During the course of the case, the victim submitted five affidavits of non-prosecution and requested that the protective order be lifted. The Court denied that request and the protective order remained in place. The DA’s office proceeded with prosecution despite those requests.

The prosecution of this case highlights the mission of the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Special Victims Unit, which is specifically designed to address the unique challenges presented in domestic violence cases. These include victim reluctance or hesitation, recantation and affidavits of non-prosecution and ongoing manipulation or control by offenders.

The Special Victims Unit remains committed to ensuring that offenders are held accountable and that victims—and their children—are protected, even in circumstances where victims may feel unable to move forward.

Mr. Thomas is scheduled to return to court for sentencing April 21. He faces up to three years in prison at hard labor for battery of a dating partner with strangulation, up to three years at hard labor for battery of a dating partner with child endangerment and up to six months incarceration on each count of violation of a protective order. Prosecutors plan to seek consecutive sentences.

Mr. Thomas was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Britney A. Green and Christopher Bowman of the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Special Victims Unit. Mr. Thomas represented himself at trial.

The case was docket No. 405583.

* A Shreveport man convicted earlier this month of terrorizing an elderly Shreveport woman, beating and robbing her and locking her bound in a closet in her Southern Hills home, may face enhanced sentencing, up to life in prison, as a habitual offender, following a hearing here March 18. 

An eight-woman, four-man jury in District Judge John D. Mosely Jr.’s court unanimously found March 4 that Kendrell Quinte Thomas, 24, committed home invasion and cruelty to persons with infirmities in July 2024 when he forced his way into the home of his victim, a 91-year-old widow. She had been found by concerned relatives early July 2, 2025, bound by wire and rope in a closet.

Thomas had been scheduled for sentencing March 18, but instead his post-trial motions were argued and denied by Judge Mosely. Supplemental discovery was filed including documents reflecting three prior felony convictions and a fourth felony habitual offender bill was filed. Thomas pleaded not guilty.

At his next court appearance April 15, a hearing will be held on the habitual offender bill. If he is adjudicated as a fourth felony offender, his sentencing range will expand to at least 30 years in prison without benefit of probation or suspension of sentence to life imprisonment prison, also without benefit of probation or suspension of sentence.

Thomas’s victim said her assailant forced his way into the house, knocking her down and dragging her by her feet from room to room looking for money and jewelry. She said he beat her about her head, then tied her up and put her in the closet. Detectives found supporting images on nearby neighbors’ cameras and from the bank, where one of the victim’s stolen checks had been cashed. Thomas was identified as the person who cashed the check, and he was arrested at his house with $1,800 in cash and belongings of the victim, clothing seen in the neighbor’s surveillance video, the backpack used in the crime and a ski mask.

Thomas was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ross Owen. He was represented by the Caddo Parish Indigent Defenders office.

 

The case was docket No. 409895.

* A former Caddo Parish man who raped and impregnated a female family member, then was convicted in Caddo District Court late last year, was sentenced March 17 to life plus 50 years in prison.

District Judge Chris Victory sentenced Larry Darby, 61, who on December 18, 2025, was found guilty of aggravated rape, two counts of aggravated incest and sexual battery. The charges stem from prolonged abuse that began in 2005 and led to the birth of a child. The case was reopened after new corroborating evidence came to light years later. The life term was for the rape, and the 50 years were for the other crimes, totaled. The terms are to be served consecutively.

During sentencing, the victim delivered a statement describing years of abuse, including being beaten and strangled into submission. She detailed lasting physical and emotional trauma, including the loss of most of her teeth and a diagnosis of PTSD.

Darby, convicted in Texas in 2022 for assaulting a stepchild, most recently lived in the Lone Star State. But he lived in Caddo Parish at the time of the crimes for which he has been convicted; he also lived in Bossier City earlier.

Assistant District Attorneys Ron Christopher Stamps and Britney A. Green of the Caddo District Attorney’s Special Victims Unit prosecuted Darby. 

The case was docket No. 396478.

* A Shreveport man who pleaded guilty in February to pointing an illegal handgun at a police drone last summer must serve a decade in prison, a Caddo Parish judge has ordered.

Eutravious Houston, 33, who admitted guilt February 26 before Caddo District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr., was ordered March 10 by Judge Hathaway to serve the sentence without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.

On July 30, 2025, Shreveport police, along with the U.S. Marshals’ Violent Offender Task Force, were executing arrest warrants in the 1500 block of Belwood Street in the Caddo Heights neighborhood. While looking for another individual suspected to be inside a residence, officers were told that Houston was inside and refusing to come out. After obtaining consent from the homeowner, a drone operated by officers with the Street Level Interdiction Unit flew into the house where Houston was observed pointing a Glock handgun directly at it. Officers ran Houston’s name and discovered that he had been convicted of Illegal Use of Weapons in 2021, prohibiting him from possessing a firearm. 

Assistant District Attorneys Chase Burgess and Christopher S. Bowman prosecuted Houston. He was represented by the Caddo Indigent Defenders office. 

The case was docket No. 410419.

* A Shreveport man who pleaded guilty to a shopping list of crimes in December rather than face trial that would have exposed him to enhanced sentencing must serve more than 13 years in prison, a Caddo judge ruled March 3.

Jeremy Shaquille Oneal, 34, pleaded guilty December 16, 2025, to felony aggravated flight from officers and simple criminal property damage before District Judge Ramona Emanuel. The case, in docket No. 398664, concerned events of November 11, 2023, when Shreveport police attempted to pull him over for failure to use a turn signal on Jewella Avenue at West 70th Street. After officers activated their lights and sirens, Oneal led police on a pursuit with speeds in excess of 25 mph over the posted speed limit, driving west in the eastbound lanes, leaving the roadway and subsequently wrecking his vehicle on Gaywood Lane.

Oneal also pleaded guilty as charged to all the cases he had pending in Caddo District Court. Besides the immediate charges, he also pleaded guilty as charged to domestic abuse battery (third offense); domestic abuse child endangerment, violation of a protective order with battery of a protected person; and domestic abuse battery with a dangerous weapon. He also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor resisting a police officer. 

In docket No. 398664, he was sentenced to three years hard labor for aggravated flight from an officer and one year at hard labor for simple criminal property damage. In docket No. 39899, domestic abuse battery third offense, he was sentenced to five years hard labor, to three years at hard labor for domestic abuse child endangerment, two years at hard labor for violation of a protective order with battery of a protected person, and 10 years at hard labor for domestic abuse battery with a dangerous weapon. He also received a three-month parish jail sentence for misdemeanor resisting an officer in docket No. 399163. 

The charges in each docket number are to be served concurrently with each other, but each sentence in a different docket number is to be served consecutively to each other, for a total of 13 years and 3 months.

Assistant District Attorneys Fernando Grider Jr. and Senae D. Hall prosecuted Oneal. Defense attorneys were Royal Alexander and Silver Sanders.

* A Shreveport man who groped and fondled a juvenile female at a large family gathering in 2022 was found guilty March 3.

The seven-man, five-woman jury in District Judge Chris Victory’s court deliberated less than two hours before returning its unanimous guilty verdict against Willie Thomas Bryant, 68. He was charged with sexual battery of a person under age 13 and indecent behavior with a juvenile under age 13. 

The incident occurred July 6, 2022, when Bryant fondled and groped the girl over her clothing. The child disclosed the act to older siblings and eventually to her mother, who was unaware that Bryant was a registered sex offender. The girl was interviewed at the Gingerbread House Child Advocacy Center and the case was investigated by the Shreveport Police Department.

At trial, the jury heard from the girl, her mother, a forensic interviewer from the Gingerbread House, a fingerprint expert and the case detective. Bryant testified in his own defense. The jury also learned that Bryant was previously convicted of attempted forcible rape in the 1990s.

Bryant will return to Judge Victory’s court April 8 for sentencing. For sexual battery, he faces a sentence of at least 25 years and up to 99 years at hard labor, while indecent behavior with a juvenile carries a sentence of at least two and up to 25 years at hard labor. Already a lifetime registered sex offender, he will have to register for the new convictions as well: lifetime registration for the sexual battery and 15 years for the indecent behavior.

Assistant District Attorneys Courtney N. Ray and Victoria T. Washington prosecuted the case. Michael Enright and Katie Miller defended Bryant.

The case was docket No. 404584.

At your service,

James E. Stewart, Sr.
Caddo Parish District Attorney  


From ‘Dogs to riches for Dusty May

MAY’S DAY:  Former Louisiana Tech assistant coach Dusty May holds the national championship trophy Monday night after his Michigan Wolverines won the title in only his second season as their head coach. (Photo courtesy NCAA.com)

By MALCOLM BUTLER, Lincoln Parish Journal

Former Louisiana Tech men’s basketball assistant coach Dusty May reached the pinnacle of his profession Monday night when he guided the Michigan Wolverines to the NCAA Division I national championship.

May was associate head coach of the Bulldogs under Mike White in his final season in Ruston before following White to Florida in 2015. He coached at Tech from 2009-15, making the transition from Kerry Rupp’s Bulldogs staff to working for White.

His Wolverines finished 37-3 after topping Connecticut 69-63 for the national title, capping his second season as head coach at Michigan. May, 49, recently reportedly spurned an offer to become head coach at North Carolina and pledged his loyalty to Michigan, where his current salary is over $5 million per season.

The Terre Haute, Indiana, native was an integral part in the Bulldogs’ impressive 2013-14 season that saw the team post an overall record of 29-8, tying for the most victories ever in a single season in program history. With the 29 wins came a share of the Conference USA regular season title in the school’s first year in the league and a runner-up finish in the C-USA Tournament.

Tech also registered wins over Big 12 second place finisher Oklahoma and SEC second place finisher Georgia and was one win shy of reaching the National Invitation Tournament Final Four.

The prior season was just as historic as the backcourt tandem of Kenneth Smith and Raheem Appleby were selected first team All-WAC as well as having Alex Hamilton named to the All-Newcomer team. The 2012-13 season concluded with a 27-7 overall record and a 16-2 mark in conference that earned the ‘Dogs their first ever WAC regular season championship.

May followed White to the University of Florida where he spent three seasons before taking the head coaching job at Florida Atlantic (2018-24). He led the Owls to an appearance in the 2023 NCAA Final Four as No. 9 seed FAU won 35 games and posted wins over No. 8 Memphis, No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson, No. 4 Tennessee and No. 3 Kansas State, before losing to No. 5 San Diego State in the final seconds. 

He took over at Michigan for the 2024-25 season, replacing Juwan Howard, and was named the 2026 Big Ten Conference and U.S. Basketball Writers Association’s National Coach of the Year. He has a career head coaching record of 189-82.

He served as a student manager for legendary Hall of Fame coach Bobby Knight while at Indiana University (1996-2000). 

May’s son, Charlie, is a reserve player for the Wolverines, and his youngest son, Eli, is a team manager. 

Contact Malcolm at lpjnewsla@gmail.com


Northwood’s Rogers tops four locals on Class 4A All-State lists

JOURNAL SPORTS

Makayla Rogers scored 24 points per game in her senior season for the Northwood Lady Falcons, and that earned her District 1-4A Most Valuable Player honors recently.

Monday, it got her an even bigger honor.

Rogers, a 5-8 guard, was a second-team All-State selection for Class 4A announced by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. She was the second-leading scorer on the 10-girl All-State team.

Three local standouts were honorable mention on the boys 4A All-State roster: senior Jackson Bates of Booker T. Washington and two juniors,  Ron Dillard of Bossier and Woodlawn’s Jayden White. Dillard was the District 1-4A MVP.

All-state picks are made by a 12-person LSWA committee that considered first-team all-district selections chosen by coaches. The all-state voters all cover high school hoops in the state.


Grand slam – and four-HR score – may echo in Louisiana lore

You may not have heard his name before this past weekend, but if you’re an LSU baseball fan, you’ll likely never forget it after what he did on Easter Sunday.

Cade Jordan Arrambide (pronounced Air-em-BEE-day), a sophomore catcher from Tomball, Texas, became the first LSU player in the school’s history to hit four home runs in one game to lead LSU to a come-from-behind 16-6 victory at Tennessee in 12 innings.

We heard most of the game on the car radio, driving back to Alexandria from a weekend jaunt to visit my sister-in-law in El Dorado, Ark. As exciting as the contest was, starting in the seventh inning, it rekindled my love for baseball on the radio. It would’ve been a great game to see on TV, no doubt, but there’s something about baseball and radio that were made for each other.

Another compelling thing about this game was it was the “rubber” game to determine the winner of the regular season series between the last two NCAA baseball champions. Tennessee, remember, won it all two season ago before LSU won it last year. For the second time in three years.

LSU trailed 5-0 early and the Tigers were down 5-1 when, in the seventh inning, the Tigers suddenly metamorphosized into the “Gorilla Ball” Tigers of the late 1990s.

It was as if Zeus showed up and started handing out lightning bolts in the LSU dugout in place of the customary bats. They got back-to-back-to-back home runs from sophomore John Pearson, Seth Dardar (of bat-flipping fame after a home run last week vs. Kentucky) and Arrambide to pull within 5-4.

Jake Brown got an RBI single in the ninth – the same inning LSU coach Jay Johnson got ejected after arguing a called third strike – to tie the game and force extra innings. Jake Brown is a footnote now in the game, but what a crucial hit to bring in the run that allowed the history and excitement that happened in the extra innings. Johnson was a spectator for the final innings from the press box at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Both teams scored a run in the 11th (with Arrambide’s third home run in the top of the inning giving the Tigers a brief lead) to go into the 12th inning with a 6-6 score.

In the 12th inning, LSU scored 10 runs. The Tigers took a 7-6 lead and Arrambide belted his school record fourth homer – a grand slam to boot – for an 11-6 lead. That blast didn’t hit the stadium lights in the outfield, causing them to rain down sparks like fireworks, but it did prompt LSU play-by-play broadcaster Chris Blair to observe the Volunteer fans were heading en masse for the exits.

In Louisiana lore, it just might be the shot heard round the college baseball world. It seemingly awakened a sleeping giant. Meanwhile, Gavin Guidry (4-3) of Lake Charles, who was scheduled to start but instead came on in relief, pitched 5 1/3 solid innings, allowing just one run on two hits.

LSU had four errors in the early innings, but the Tigers had 19 hits – including seven homers – to score 16 runs and win the series, two games to one. The victory evened LSU’s SEC record to 6-6 and returned LSU (22-11) to the national rankings at 24th.

Arrambide is a name that has roots in the Basque region of Spain, and Cade (a sturdy 6-3, 208) equaled his total number of homers all last season with the four he notched on Sunday. His Texas hometown of Tomball is a “family-friendly” suburb 37 miles northwest of Houston. He achieved SEC Academic Honor Roll honors last year as a freshman, and as a senior at Tomball High School he led the team to the Class 6A state championship and was ranked as the No. 1 catcher by MLB.com in its 2024 draft rankings.

Lest he get the big head, Arrambide might consider the fate of one Marshall McDougall, who owns the NCAA record for home runs in a game with six for Florida State in May of 1999. He went 7-for-7 in his historic game with NCAA game records for RBI (16) and total bases (25).

His MLB story? He played part of one season (2005) for the Texas Rangers, batting .167 in 18 games.

For now, Arrambide and the Tigers are the talk of college baseball after winning that pivotal marquee SEC series at Tennessee on Easter Sunday. The tomb in which many naysayers were ready to bury them is open. 

Contact Bob at btompkins1225@gmail.com


NSU the right fit for new women’s basketball head coach Alan Frey

MAKING HIS POINT: Alan Frey was introduced Monday as the new Northwestern State women’s basketball coach. (Photo by CHRIS REICH, NSU Athletics)

By JONATHON ZENK, Northwestern State Assistant Sports Information Director

NATCHITOCHES — During Alan Frey’s introduction as Northwestern State’s new women’s basketball coach Monday afternoon, he reflected on his journey to achieve this moment, one that he didn’t know would come.

“I am so honored and proud to be here,” Frey said to an audience of NSU fans, media members and university staff. “This is a moment I have been waiting for for a long time, so this is very special to me that I have this opportunity. This opportunity is something you work for your whole life for, and you don’t know if it’s ever going to happen.”

He had to make sure it was a right fit  — from the president on down.

“When you feel that support from the administration—and I have had some where it didn’t quite feel like what you have here. The alignment between the president (James Genovese), athletics director, all the way down, and (AD Kevin Bostian) talked about the resources and support for women’s basketball here, all of it is absolutely there. There are no excuses for not getting it done here.”

While this is his first head coaching job, Frey has more than 20 years of experience as an assistant coach and associate head coach, with almost two decades at the Division I level.

This past season, as assistant coach at Loyola in his hometown of New Orleans, he helped lead the Wolf Pack to a 25-5 mark and a trip to the NAIA Tournament.

Frey spent the previous season with Monmouth, where he helped the team win 16 games, including the most home wins for the program (10) since 2011-12.

The bulk of his Division I tenure came at Tulane as the lead assistant for Lisa Stockton’s long-term successful Green Wave program.

“What we were looking for is someone with energy, passion and is well connected in the state of Louisiana,” Bostian said. “I talked to numerous people all over the country. I probably talked to 25 to 30 coaches, I talked to agents, I talked to administrators, and a lot of the time it came back to one person: Alan Frey.”

Frey received some major endorsements from colleagues the coaching profession.

“(Louisiana Tech coach and former NSU coach) Brooke Stoehr is behind Alan Frey,” Bostian said. “Kim Mulkey at LSU is behind him. Vic Schaefer at Texas is behind him. Lisa  Stockton … is behind him. It all came back to the grit, the blue-collar, a hands-in the-dirt kind of person, which is what I am and this institution is.”

As a Louisiana native, he wants to build the team through his native roots, recruiting mostly in-state, high school players.

“If you look at the Southland Conference first and second team selections, most of them came through high school,” Frey said. “In this time, the portal and JUCO has to be a part of our make-up here, particularly during coaching changes.

“Texas will be a big part for us, but I really want to hone in on Louisiana. One of the reasons I am here right now is because I have all these roots in Louisiana. Kids from the state will be our foundation as we move forward because I think that is what works.”

Coming from New Orleans, he is aware of his new home and north Louisiana. However, coming to Natchitoches, he gained a whole new appreciation for the town and residents in Louisiana’s oldest city.

“My family and I went to Lasyone’s and we walked across the street and they held the door for us and everybody said hello. We even got a ‘Fork Em’ in the street and I don’t think those people knew who I was. Somebody slammed on their brakes, so I could walk across the crosswalk. That does not happen in New Orleans.

“Everybody would stop and say ‘welcome,’’hi’ or whatever. When driving around the city, there were signs and flags everywhere. There are some schools where they know the school is there, but don’t necessarily hold that school. Here, you drive around a neighborhood, and you know the town embraces this school.”

Frey is extremely thankful for his family’s support throughout this journey to becoming a head coach.

“My wife Karen and I have been married for almost 35 years, and we are so excited to be members of this community. The football coach literally texted me as I was walking in saying ‘I have the tennis connection for her’ since Karen likes to play tennis.

In addition to his wife, he brought to Monday’s introduction his three children, as well as two of his brothers and a sister, and his aunt and uncle among more than a dozen family members.

Throughout his stops that include highly-successful AAU coaching before he joined the college ranks, he has taken bits from each mentor to form the type of coach he is today.

“I got my start at Loyola in New Orleans and Michael Giorlando, who was the men’s basketball coach and athletic director. I learned so much from him and he ran great practices and I learned what it meant to run really competitive practices. I spent one year at Monmouth where I worked for Cait Wetmore. She had the best work ethic of any one I have ever been around. Last year at Loyola of New Orleans, what I took from there is that the culture was incredible. The kids and coaching staff were amazing and we won 25 games.

“In the middle there, we don’t have time to talk about all the things Lisa Stockton did for me when I was there. I learned so much from her. In 30 years, she won 600 games. Beyond winning basketball games, she had a 100 percent graduation rate. Anyone who went to Tulane for four years has a degree, and sometimes we lose sight of that. In some ways, it was tough to get a job because of the culture and I was so fortunate to be there.”

In addition to Stoehr, who led NSU to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, he stated he wants to build on the legacy of women’s basketball at NSU and continue on the path that coaches set before him.

“James Smith, Jordan Dupuy — who is a friend of mine –and then Anna Nimz have built a program here that is well respected in the state.

“Coach Stoehr, I watched her do this job and build it the way she did, and I cannot wait to emulate what she did here. She proved it can be done here in this era, and I don’t think she had the support 12 years ago when she got the job like I do today. It’s a full-circle moment for me to carry the torch that Brooke had.”

Contact Jonathon at zenkj@nsula.edu

 


Remember This: Kutol wallpaper cleaner

In the 1930s, the Kutol Products soap company was dangerously close to going out of business.  Cleo McVicker worked hard to get Kutol’s products into stores and ultimately in the hands of consumers.  Kutol needed a new product, but what?  At the time, many homes in America were heated with coal which left a sooty residue on everything in the home.  Unlike regular household dust which could easily be swept or vacuumed up, coal dust was finer and more difficult to remove.  Sweeping and vacuuming coal dust normally sent more of it back into the air than was collected.  Coal dust also contained sulfur, nitrogen, silica, and heavy metals, which could be hazardous to health.  

In 1933, Cleo negotiated a deal with the purchasing agent for the Kroger grocery store chain to add a cleaner to their inventory which would remove coal dust from wallpaper.  Coal dust was especially hard to remove from wallpaper because it was small enough to settle into the paper fibers of wallpaper.  Cleo promised Kroger a product which did not exist.

Cleo immediately contacted his brother Noah, Kutol’s main product developer, and the two began the rigorous research and development process.  After countless failures, they came up with the formula for a compound which easily removed coal dust from wallpaper.  Unlike liquid cleaners which required the user to apply the liquid to a cloth and swipe away the coal dust which usually made a bigger mess, Kutol wallpaper cleaner, was non-toxic, non-staining, and made no mess at all.  The user simply pressed the compound onto the wall and the coal dust stuck to it.  Once the compound became saturated with coal dust, the consumer threw it away and bought another can for five cents.  Because it was a replenishable product, the Kutol company was saved one nickel at a time. 

For 20 years, Kutol wallpaper cleaner kept the company afloat and successful.  Following World War II, many people converted their homes from being heated by coal to natural gas.  No longer did homeowners have the hassle of purchasing, handling, and storing a skuttle of dusty coal.  Natural gas burned cleanly and was piped directly into the home.  Around the same time, manufacturers began making wallpaper out of vinyl rather than paper which made it much easier to clean.  By the early 1950s, sales of Kutol wallpaper cleaner began to decline quickly.  The company was once again on the brink of failure.  

In 1955, Joe McVicker, Cleo’s son, was searching for a way to keep Kutol from going bankrupt when Kay Zufall, his sister-in-law and schoolteacher, convinced him that Kutol wallpaper cleaner could be used for something more fun than cleaning.  Joe ran with the idea.  In 1956, Kutol established the Rainbow Crafts Company Inc. and repackaged the wallpaper cleaner, but Kutol was so near bankruptcy that they had no advertising budget.  That could have been the end, but Joe demonstrated his product to Bob Keeshan, better known to the world as Captain Kangaroo.  Bob liked the product so much that he agreed to use it in his television show at least once a week.  From 1955 until 1984, Captain Kangaroo was one of the most popular children’s shows on television.  Before Captain Kangaroo, Kutol struggled to sell their rebranded product.  Because of Captain Kangaroo, Kutol struggled to keep up with demand.  Since its introduction on Captain Kangaroo, billions of cans of rebranded Kutol wallpaper cleaner have been sold.  It has become one of history’s most iconic toys and it remains popular to this day.  We have all played with Kuto wallpaper cleaner, but we know it as Play-Doh.    

Sources:

1.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, April 19, 1936, p.25.

2.     The Akron Beacon Journal, April 18, 1938, p.19. 

3.     David Kindy, “The Accidental Invention of Play-Doh,” Smithsonian magazine, November 12, 2019, accessed March 29, 2026, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/accidental-invention-play-doh-180973527/.

4.     “The History of Play-Doh: Good, Clean Fun!” The Strong National Museum of Play, accessed March 29, 2026, https://www.museumofplay.org/blog/the-history-of-play-doh-good-clean-fun/.      


Remembering Jackeith Raydell Baker

Mr. Baker will lie in state for visitation on Friday, April 10, 2026, between the hours of 11:00 am – 7:00 p.m., at Heavenly Gates Funeral Home in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The celebration of life will commence on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 3:00 pm, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Vivian, Louisiana.


Remembering Jessie Rickey Hughes

Funeral services for Jessie Rickey Hughes, 66, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Walnut Hill Baptist Church, 10899 Walnut Hill Church Rd, Vivian, Louisiana.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026, prior to service at the church. Interment will be at Walnut Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, following the service. Officiating the service will be Brother Perry Hart.

Jessie was born on July 22, 1959, in Shreveport, Louisiana to Bobby Hughes and Jimmie Sue Barber Hughes. He passed away Friday, April 3, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Jessie was a loyal member of the Walnut Hill Baptist Church for many years. He worked as a mechanic but spent the rest of his time being an avid hunter and fisherman. He had a big heart and was always helping others. Jessie was known for being a loving and devoted husband, daddy, grandaddy, and friend. To know him meant you were rich in friendship. He loved all his family, especially his grandbabies and will be greatly missed.

Rickey is preceded in death by his parents, Bobby and Jimmie Sue Hughes; grandparents, Henry and Lucille Olds; and granddaughter, Julianne Dove. He is survived by his devoted wife, Vicki Hughes of Vivian, Louisiana; daughter, Jennifer Blakenship (Johnny) of Vivian, Louisiana; sons, Richard Hughes (Samantha) of Blanchard, Louisiana, and Norman Hughes (Krisha) of Stonewall, Louisiana; daughter, Alicia Hughes; 12 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and brothers, Bobby D. Hughes of Stonewall, Louisiana, and Kent Hughes of Haughton, Louisiana.

Honoring Jessie as pallbearers will be Johnny Blankenship, Richard Hughes, Norman Hughes, Jennifer Blakenship, Rickey Hughes, and Michael Cullins.


Notice of Death – April 6, 2026

Patricia Ginn
July 14, 1950 – April 5, 2026
Service: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 10am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.

William “Bill” Earl Savage
November 10, 1949 — April 5, 2026
Service: Friday, April 10, 2026, 12:30pm at Rose-Neath Cemetery, Shreveport. 

Glenn Paul Sproles
July 11, 1947 — April 2, 2026
Service: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Jerry Don Bagley, Sr.
August 2, 1945 — March 31, 2026
Service: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 11am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Shreveport.

Jackeith Raydell Baker
September 7, 1981 – March 28, 2026
Service: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 3pm at First Baptist Church, Vivian.

Doris Thompson
October 6, 1931 – March 26, 2026
Service: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 2pm at Haven’s Park, Shreveport.

Clothilde M. Gonzales
October 3, 1938 – March 24, 2026
Service: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 11am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport. 

Ronnie Hubert Brasher
March 9, 1949 — March 23, 2026
Service: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 3:30pm at The Covenant Church, Bossier City. 

Alyne Shaw Watson
June 2, 1939 — March 22, 2026
Service: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 2pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City. 

Carol Ward
March 11, 1962 – March 17, 2026
Service: Friday, April 17, 2026, 11am at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport. 

Delilah Ann Darden
November 6, 1952 — March 2, 2026
Service: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Shreveport.

The Shreveport-Bossier Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or SBJNewsLa@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to SBJNewsLa@gmail.com.)

April 6, 2026

Motorcyclist killed, passenger injured in single-vehicle Bossier Parish crash

Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a single-vehicle crash on April 6 around 1 am on Sligo Road near Mayflower Road. The crash claimed the life of 43-year-old Preston Workman of Haughton.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2025 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, driven by Workman, was traveling east on Sligo Road. For reasons still under investigation, Workman’s vehicle traveled across the centerline, collided with an uneven section of the roadway shoulder, and overturned.

Workman, who was wearing a DOT-approved helmet at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A passenger on the motorcycle, who was wearing a DOT-approved helmet, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Impairment on the part of Workman is unknown; however, standard toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers urge all motorists to make good decisions while operating a motor vehicle. For motorcycle riders, enrolling in an approved safety course can significantly improve both riding skills and awareness on the road. To learn more about available motorcycle safety courses, visit https://lsp.org/services/training/motorcycle-safety/.


Caddo Parish jury convicts Mississippi man in 2024 fatal shooting tied to social media dispute

A Mississippi man has been found guilty of second-degree murder in connection with a 2024 shooting that left a California truck driver dead in Caddo Parish.

A 12-person jury, consisting of 10 women and two men, deliberated for approximately 90 minutes before returning a guilty verdict against Amanvir Singh, 36, on Friday, April 3, 2026, in the courtroom of District Judge Chris Victory.

The conviction stems from the April 23, 2024 shooting death of Gurpreet Judge, also 36. Authorities said Judge was shot and killed on the side of the Greenwood Road on-ramp to Interstate 20 westbound following a dispute related to social media postings. Singh fled the scene after the shooting but was later arrested out of state.

Singh is scheduled to return to court on April 21 for sentencing. Under Louisiana law, a conviction for second-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys William Edwards and Kodie K. Smith. Singh was represented by defense attorneys J. Dhu Thompson and Maddie Crusan. The case was filed under docket number 401728.


Shreveport man pleads guilty to sex crimes involving minors, receives 40-year sentence

A Shreveport man charged with sexual offenses involving children under the age of 13 pleaded guilty this week in Caddo District Court following the start of his jury trial.

Victrick Frazier Johnson, 36, entered guilty pleas to two counts of molestation of a juvenile under the age of 13 involving two minor victims. The offenses occurred over a period spanning from 2014 to 2019.

Jury selection and trial proceedings began Monday, March 30, 2026. On April 2, after testimony from multiple witnesses, including one of the victims and a treating psychiatrist, Johnson pleaded guilty to both counts.

District Judge John D. Mosley Jr. subsequently sentenced Johnson to two 40-year prison terms, to be served concurrently.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Ron Christopher Stamps and Britney A. Green of the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Special Victims Unit. Prosecutors continued forward with the case despite opposition from some adult family members of the victims.

Johnson was represented by defense attorney Casey Simpson.

Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart Sr. said the case highlights the importance of protecting children and holding offenders accountable, noting the courage of the victims in coming forward.

The Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office stated it remains committed to prosecuting crimes of sexual violence and safeguarding children in the community.


In Search of Good Food: it’s all about freshness

Gullo’s Fresh Produce and Classic Bake Shop front entrance, 724 East Flournoy Lucas Road, Shreveport, with the menu (below story).

By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Contributor

While I spent some time deciding where to go In Search of Good Food this past week, one name kept appearing on my email requests: Gullo’s Fresh Produce & Classic Bake Shop, 724 East Flournoy Lucas Road, Shreveport.

I have driven by this place many times and honestly never thought about dining here before, so this gave me the perfect opportunity. I looked up Gullo’s and was pleasantly surprised at the range of items that they had. My choice had been made.

I went on Tuesday for lunch because one of Tuesday’s lunch specials is Chicken and Dumplings, a weakness of mine — so I knew what I was getting. I hoped my companions would order differently so I could get a range of items to taste; thankfully that was the case.

The Chicken and Dumplings were all that you could want and more, soft dumplings with plenty of chicken. It is comfort food at its finest, and even though the portion was large, there was no need for a to-go box for me.

They ordered the Chicken wrap and a Country Fried Steak sandwich. The wrap was very fresh, and the chicken was juicy in just the right way. I did get a little slice of it and would not hesitate to order it on a day I am eating healthy.

The Country Fried Steak was cooked just right with the batter being crunchy and the inside tender and hot. The patty was so big it hung over the whole bun, which is how I’d prefer it, at least with a country fried steak sandwich.

I know my next visit will be when Country Fried Steak is on the lunch special. It was that good in the good ole home cooking kind of way. I regretted not ordering the fried green tomatoes appetizer, which looked great when a table close by had ordered it. There is always next time.

We couldn’t go to a restaurant with “classic bake shop” in the name and not try a couple of their freshly-made desserts. We went with turtle cheesecake and Italian crème cake. There is no doubt that these were freshly made, and the display that they have by the front is dangerous for anyone with a sweet tooth.

While sitting in the front dining room, I couldn’t help noticing that Gullo’s prepares meals for people to take home, heat and serve. There were a few display coolers with freshly made items like Chicken and Dumplings, Gumbo, and other soups as well.

They also had full meals, in a 2–3-person size and a full family size. These offerings held a wide range, with choices like Meatloaf, Green Bean Casserole, and a variety of pasta dishes — comfort food at its best, and of course there were the side dishes there to complete the meals.

If these meals are anywhere close to the quality food that we had while there, then it is surely a place to get take-out meals that taste home cooked, without the mess in your kitchen.

Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net


Huckaby Road bridge in Vivian to close for replacement beginning today

The Parish of Caddo has announced that the Huckaby Road bridge in Vivian will close beginning Monday, April 6, for a full replacement project.

According to parish officials, construction is expected to last approximately 120 days.

During the closure, motorists will be required to use a designated detour route, which will follow Centerville Road to LA Highway 2 and then to LA Highway 71.

Drivers are encouraged to plan accordingly and allow for additional travel time while the project is underway.


Shreveport Police Department announces promotions during ceremony

The Shreveport Police Department recognized five members for their service and dedication during a promotion ceremony held Wednesday morning.

During the ceremony, Chief Wayne Smith announced the promotion of Cpl. Natashia Harmon to the rank of sergeant. Joseph McCray and Jasimaine Taylor were promoted to Jailer III, while Jonah Johnson and Jacoby Cass were promoted to Jailer II.

Department officials said the promotions reflect the individuals’ hard work, commitment and continued dedication to serving the community with professionalism and integrity.

The department also expressed appreciation to those who attended the ceremony in support of the honorees and their achievements.


LSUS criminal justice students tour Caddo Correctional Center

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office recently hosted students from Louisiana State University Shreveport at the Caddo Correctional Center for an educational visit.

The group, led by Professor Riley Young, met with the sheriff’s detention leadership team and learned more about operations within the facility and careers in law enforcement.

Officials said the students engaged with thoughtful questions during the visit and expressed optimism about seeing some of them pursue future roles in the field.