District Attornev Chad Pitre announces St. Landry Parish Grand Jury indictments.

By Harlan Kirgan on Monday, February 24, 2025

(Feb. 21)
Three indicted for first-degree murder in Opelousas drive by shooting.
According to District Attorney Chad Pitre, the St. Landry Parish Grand Jury today indicted Gerard Griffin Jr., Deshawn Hickman and lsaiarion Warden for first-degree murder of Jaleel Guidry; three counts of attempted first-degree murder; and one count of assault by drive-by shooting. On Oct. 20, 2024, Guidry, his girlfriend, and his two
young children came under fire from numerous gun shots while sitting in their parked
vehicle outside their home in the 800 block of Ina Clare Drive. The gun fire came from a
black SUV driving in the area. Griffin, Hickman and Warden were later determined to
be the occupants of the vehicle and the shooters. The investigation also revealed that Alexziah Joseph and Finecia Draper became accessories after the fact when they aided the shooters in an attempt to conceal their identities and avoid punishment. Joseph and Draper were both indicted with one count of being an accessory after the fact to firstdegree murder. All defendants will be set for arraignment on their respective charges on the Court’s next available date.
Opelousas man indicted for second-degree murder
Additionally, Pitre said the Grand Jury indicted Danger Johnson, 24 of Opelousas with the second-degree murder of 17-year-old Davasha Robertson. The shooting occurred on the corner of Kim Drive and Washington Street in Opelousas. Johnson shot at a vehicle with five occupants, including Ms. Robertson. He is also charged with four counts of attempted murder. Second-degree murder carries a mandatory penalty of life imprisonment. Johnson will be arraigned on April 3, 2025.
Babvsitter indicted for child’s death
The district attorney said the final Grand Jury indictment was on Sara Sonnier, 59, of Opelousas, for negligent homicide ofD.L., a thirteen-month-old child, which occurred
in Sonnier’s home on Tulip Drive in Opelousas. The child died the morning of Oct. 27, 2024, two hours after being dropped off to Sonnier’s home. Sonnier was the child’s babysitter. Sonnier’s arraignment is set for March 13.