Man accused of New Year's Day crash that claimed life of Walker High senior pleads not guilty in court - Baton Rouge news - NewsLocker (2024)

LIVINGSTON - The man accused of the New Year's Day crash that claimed the life of 17-year-old Blakeleigh Weems pleaded not guilty in court Wednesday.Weems family says Shawn Robertson has shown no remorse for his actions."His actions have led to the un-timely death of our daughter and we'll have to live with that hurt and that grief for the rest of our lives," Nelson Weems, Blakeleigh's father, said.The Weems family says this has been a long time coming. Robertson was not arrested in the crash f

Downed tree crushes house, 2 cars, brings down power line

BATON ROUGE - The resident of a home had to crawl out of their house after a tree fell on it, crushing two cars and bringing down a powerline in the process. The tree fell sometime overnight on Tec*mseh Street off of Chippewa Street. Officials on scene told WBRZ the resident of the home hidden under the tree had to crawl out to escape. The Baton Rouge Fire Department is on scene due to a scent of gas in the area, and Entergy is on the way because of a downed line. Thi

Fire investigators arrest man for arson of home utility room

BATON ROUGE - A man was arrested for arson after he allegedly set fire to a home on Laurel Street. The Baton Rouge Fire Department was called to a home on Laurel Street on the morning of May 17. Crews found the home's utility room on fire and estimated the damages to be around $5,000. Investigators found the fire was intentionally set. After over a week of investigating, officials took Lionel Coleman, 41, into custody for one count of simple arson. Permalink| Comments

St. Vincent de Paul to host prayer session ahead of above-average hurricane season

BATON ROUGE - Hurricane season starts on June 1, and the National Weather Service says it is projected to have an above-average amount of activity. That's why Bishop Michael Duca with St. Vincent de Paul is hosting a prayer session ahead of the official start of the season. JP spoke with Duca Friday morning on 2une In. Permalink| Comments

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WBRSO officer indicted for malfeasance, illegal use of weapon after shooting into car

PORT ALLEN - A West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office reserve deputy who livestreamed himself shooting rounds into a car on I-10 in August 2023 was indicted for malfeasance in office and illegal use of weapon charges Thursday.An SUV had been stolen from former Port Allen Police Chief Esdron Brown's residence on June 15, 2022. A deputy and a reserve deputy patrolling I-10 found the car heading west on the interstate near the LA 415 exit. After noticing the car did not have a license plate, they initi

WBRSO deputy indicted for malfeasance, illegal use of weapon after shooting into car

PORT ALLEN - A West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office reserve deputy who livestreamed himself shooting rounds into a car on I-10 in August 2023 was indicted for malfeasance in office and illegal use of weapon charges Thursday.An SUV had been stolen from former Port Allen Police Chief Esdron Brown's residence on June 15, 2022. A deputy and a reserve deputy patrolling I-10 found the car heading west on the interstate near the LA 415 exit. After noticing the car did not have a license plate, they initi

EBR interim superintendent proposes new pay raises for all staff on teacher salary schedule

BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge School System proposed a pay raise for all staff on the teacher salary schedule, according to a statement on Thursday.According to the statement, Interim Superintendent Adam Smith proposes a permanent raise of $2,200 for all staff on the teacher salary schedule, increasing the starting salary for beginning teachers from $47,800 to $50,000. Additionally, a raise of $1,500 is proposed for all principals and assistant principals, and $1,300 for all other staff.Pe

YWCA Greater Baton Rouge's Early Head State Program holds graduation for young children

BATON ROUGE - Thursday, 75 three and four-year-old children dressed in graduation caps and gowns took the first steps today to a life of serving and impacting their community. These kids are part of YWCA Greater Baton Rouge's Early Head State Program.The program helps pregnant mothers get ready to be caregivers and gives kids aged six months to three years old a head start on success inside and outside of the classroom.YWCA Greater Baton Rouge CEO Dianna Payton says by starting young, these kid

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YWCA Greater Baton Rouge's Early Head Start Program holds graduation for young children

BATON ROUGE - Thursday, 75 three and four-year-old children dressed in graduation caps and gowns took the first steps today to a life of serving and impacting their community. These kids are part of YWCA Greater Baton Rouge's Early Head Start Program.The program helps pregnant mothers get ready to be caregivers and gives kids aged six months to three years old a head start on success inside and outside of the classroom.YWCA Greater Baton Rouge CEO Dianna Payton says by starting young, these kid

'A total disgrace:' Louisiana Republicans criticize New York's conviction of ex-president Trump

BATON ROUGE — Former president Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 counts against him in his New York hush money trial Thursday.The reactions to the landmark jury verdict from Louisiana politicians were largely predictable, with many in Trump's camp decrying the guilty verdict as a "disgrace," as well as calling the trial rigged.Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, called the trial a "perversion of justice" and declared that Trump will "win on appeal and again in November."The New York tr

NY jury convicts Trump in fraud case stemming from sex scandal involving p*rn star from Baton Rouge

NEW YORK — Donald Trump was convicted Thursday on all 34 counts against him in his New York hush money trial, a landmark jury verdict making him the first former American president to be found guilty of felony crimes in the nation’s nearly 250-year history.The jury’s judgment Thursday caps a trial centered on lurid claims of sex involving a p*rn star from Baton Rouge, along with financial coverups. It also exposes Trump to prison time.Trump will be sentenced on Jul

Louisiana lawmakers OK plan to have state taxpayers pay students' private school tuition

BATON ROUGE — Louisiana lawmakers on Thursday gave final approval to a bill that would let parents of children educated in private and parochial schools direct taxpayer money to advance their education.The Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise bill, also known as LA GATOR, is headed to Gov. Jeff Landry's desk. He is expected to sign it.The funding will be part of education scholarship accounts for K-12 students. Landry's office has billed it as a way to empower parents to scho

17-year-old arrested for murder after April shooting on Florida Street

BATON ROUGE - A 17-year-old was arrested for murder after an April shooting on Florida Street, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department.BRPD said Micah Bell, 17, was arrested for his involvement in the shooting death of Tedrick Davis.Bell was booked for second-degree murder and illegal use of a weapon.Permalink| Comments

Louisiana health department shares tips on how to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses this summer

BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Department of Health issued a statement on Thursday reminding the public to take precautions against mosquito bites that can expose people to West Nile virus and dengue virus.In Louisiana, there is typically more mosquito activity in the warmer summer months, increasing the risk for mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile and dengue, LDH said. LDH advised wearing EPA-registered mosquito repellent on exposed skin when outside and always foll

BRPD: One dies in hit-and-run on Nicholson Drive Wednesday night

BATON ROUGE - Police are seeking information after one person died in a hit-and-run on Nicholson Drive around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department.BRPD says Shelton Morgan, 42, was standing in the raised median at the 3000 block of Nicholson Drive between the north and southbound lanes of travel. Morgan stepped onto the southbound lane and was struck by a vehicle, leading to him being transported to a local hospital and dying.Police do not know the identity of the

Tangipahoa temporarily lowers jail head count while addressing recent escapes

HAMMOND — The sheriff-elect of Tangipahoa Parish said Thursday that the inmate population at the parish jail has been reduced temporarily as guards deal with the aftermath of two escapes.Four prisoners broke out in separate incidents last weekend. Two were apprehended within a day, but two others were still at-large Thursday. "We have a fair number of incarcerated individuals that are being housed outside the parish, simply because we do not have enough room for them," Sherif

Drew Brees honored by Saints Hall of Fame, says 'Geaux Tigers' on raising family in Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Saints announced former quarterback Drew Brees was inducted into their Hall of Fame, where Brees held a press conference after detailing how living in Louisiana impacted his life.Brees, who was initially drafted by the now Los Angeles Chargers before going to New Orleans as a free agent, finished second all-time in NFL passing yards with 80,358 passing yards, only behind Tom Brady. Brees is also second in career touchdown passes at 571 and won the Super Bowl 44 Mos

LSU football announces Week 2 and 3 times and channels

BATON ROUGE - LSU football's first three games of the 2024 season now have confirmed starting times and networks.LSU will face USC in Las Vegas on September 1 on ABC at 6:30 p.m. LSU announced today that their Week 2 game against Nicholls will take place 6:30 p.m. on ESPN+ and their Week 3 game at South Carolina will start at 11 a.m. on ABC.LSU will play Nicholls September 7 and South Carolina September 14. LSU games against USC and South Carolina can be watched on WBRZ.Permalink| Comments

Two juveniles arrested for attempted murder, vehicle burglary of Zachary woman on Tuesday

ZACHARY — Two juveniles were arrested Thursday in the attempted vehicle burglary and attempted second-degree murder of a Zachary woman that took place early Tuesday morning.A woman was reportedly shot multiple times after she confronted a suspected burglar early Tuesday morning. Zachary Police Chief Darryl Lawrence said two women saw the man pulling on a car door handle at their neighbor’s home on East Central Avenue near Church Street around 3 a.m. One of the women confront

Two juveniles arrested for attempted murder, vehicle burglary of Zachary woman

ZACHARY — Two juveniles were arrested Thursday in the attempted vehicle burglary and attempted second-degree murder of a Zachary woman that took place early Tuesday morning.A woman was reportedly shot multiple times after she confronted a suspected burglar early Tuesday morning. Zachary Police Chief Darryl Lawrence said two women saw the man pulling on a car door handle at their neighbor’s home on East Central Avenue near Church Street around 3 a.m. One of the women confront

LSU hosts memorial service on campus, honors former students, staff that served

BATON ROUGE — LSU held a Memorial Day service Thursday for veterans — including former students, faculty and staff — who died in service of their country.The ceremony was held at noon on the Parade Ground at the LSU War Memorial. The public "Ceremony in Silence" observance will include a wreath-laying ceremony and "Taps," the traditional military bugle march. LSU's memorial service is being held on the traditional date for Memorial Day — May 30 &mdash

Services set for Saturday for Ponchatoula police officer who died outside supermarket

PONCHATOULA — A funeral service has been set for Saturday for a Ponchatoula police officer found dead in her cruiser.Cpl. Priciilla Pierson, 44, died Tuesday morning while her police car was parked outside a Rouses supermarket. Survivors include her husband, a 25-year veteran of the department.Chief Bry Layrisson said Thursday that visitation will begin Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home in Hammond. A chapel service will be held at 11 a.m.

Ponchatoula police officer who died outside supermarket honored, funeral service set for Saturday

PONCHATOULA — A police officer found dead in her cruiser from a heart attack earlier this week was honored at the Ponchatoula police station Thursday morning as a bright spot in her community.Cpl. Pricilla Pierson, 44, died Tuesday morning while her police car was parked outside a Rouses supermarket. Survivors include her husband, a 25-year veteran of the department, and five children."One thing about Pricilla that, anybody you talk to, everybody will tell you the same thing. And that

74-year-old found dead on his front porch; deputies declare his death a homicide

PEARL RIVER - Deputies declared a 74-year-old man's death a homicide after he was found dead on his front porch Sunday evening. According to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, deputies found Douglas LaFrance dead on his porch Sunday just after 5 p.m.. A cause of death was not immediately known, but deputies declared his death a homicide and said that the death was "suspicious."Deputies said an autopsy "confirmed suspicions" but did not specify what those suspicions were.&nbsp

Minneapolis police officer dies in mass shooting that killed 3 others including suspected shooter

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minneapolis police officer who was killed Thursday was responding to a shooting call and providing medical attention to a man when he was ambushed, authorities said.Minneapolis Officer Jamal Mitchell was trying to help an injured man when the man shot him, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association said a seco

2une In Previews: Miss Louisiana 2024

BATON ROUGE - The Miss Louisiana 2024 competition is just around the corner!2une In got to speak with the 2023 winner Makenzie Scroggs about what goes into the contest and what Miss Louisiana means. "This has been the best year of my life, but it has gone by way too fast," Scroggs said. "This year, I've been able to travel over 25,000 miles across our state, learned all of Louisiana. I've been able to go to 25 schools, talk to 10,000 students and talk about my confidence build

St. George Fire Department works on rapid diver training for water rescue

BATON ROUGE - Getting caught in a South Louisiana downpour could be a situation that spins out of control to a high-water rescue situation, or an accident that could land a vehicle in a bayou.That is why the Special Operations Division of the St. George Fire Department is getting rapid diver training. Today was the final exercise for the program.This training gives firefighters the expertise to take action within minutes of arrival as the sheriff's office dive team gets mobilized."Obviously, in

BREC assures the public Liberty Lagoon is family friendly despite Sunday's brawl

BATON ROUGE - This week, Liberty Lagoon has been a big topic of conversation after the Mayor's Pool Party on Sunday evening became violent due to multiple fights.However, despite the night of brawls and commotion, BREC wants to assure people that Liberty Lagoon is still a family-friendly place."Liberty Lagoon is one of our safest facilities that we have," said Corey Wilson with BREC. "We always have law enforcement here and that's a fun family event. We've been open well over 10 years now, (and

Current situation is 'no surprise:' Tangipahoa Parish sheriff-elect to speak on continuing search for missing inmates

AMITE - The search continues for two inmates who escaped from the Tangipahoa Parish Jail over the weekend, and the parish sheriff-elect says the situation law enforcement is facing comes as no surprise. Four inmates escaped from the Tangipahoa Parish Jail over the weekend and deputies were not aware they were gone until a family member of one of the inmates that escaped Saturday called the jail Sunday afternoon. Two of the inmates, Travon Johnson, 21, and Avery Guidry, 19, were taken b

BRPD arrests man accused of posing as officer

BATON ROUGE- A man who was allegedly posing as a law enforcement officer was arrested Wednesday.The Baton Rouge Police Department said 46-year-old Ray Charles Ayo repeatedly made false claims that he was an officer and had fake credentials. Anyone who had an interaction with the man while he was posing as a police officer can call (225) 389-2000. Permalink| Comments