Police announce 12 arrests in shooting of 6-year-old
Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - Lake Charles police announced 12 arrests Thursday in the shooting death of 6-year-old Draya Michelle Guillory.
The last suspect, Michael Carter, turned himself in Thursday afternoon, police said.
While sitting on the couch watching TV, Guillory was killed during a drive-by shooting, Lake Charles officials said. Police received the call around 10:45 p.m. on March 20.
“Draya Guillory was sitting on her couch watching television when her life was senselessly, ruthlessly and unfairly taken away from her,” Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter said.
A joint press conference was held by LCPD, city officials and the District Attorney’s Office updating the investigation into the 6-year-old’s death.
“Our first arrest was on March 23. The last arrest we made was Monday, April 4. We’ve arrested 11 with bonds as high as $2.5 million,” Lake Charles Police Chief Shawn Caldwell said.
Just hours after this announcement the 12th person was arrested, 19-year-old Michael Carter. He was wanted in connection to Guillory’s death on an outstanding warrant for criminal conspiracy to commit second degree murder.
Police said the girl’s death has now been tied to a rap-music group.
“Some of these people identify themselves as members of an organization called the ‘NawfSideBabies,’ ” Caldwell said.
“During the course of their investigation, detectives learned this shooting was the result of a retaliation from an ongoing earlier incident and they were able to identify a number of suspects who connected themselves to an organization referred to by the suspects as ‘NawfSideBabies,’ " Fondel said in a news release.
Authorities said the shooting was in retaliation from an earlier incident with members outside of the group.
“We know there was some arguing, utilizing different social media platforms. That was part of what lead up to this.” Caldwell said.
LCPD couldn’t elaborate further on what caused the shooting. However, they did confirm the Mill Street home was believed to be the intended target.
“Tragically, Draya Guillory, a beautiful little 6 year old girl, her life was ended there. That day. That night. As the Mayor said, sitting on her couch watching TV,” Caldwell said.
“She was murdered and it was because of gun violence, so I ask and I beg and I plead with parents to sit down with your children and tell them what happens when you use guns to solve a problem, to solve a beef like this,” Hunter said.
Hunter is joined by other city leaders pleading for crimes like this to stop.
“I’m asking the people of this city to stand up. Stand up for the city, stand up for your neighborhoods, because that’s the only way we can prevent these things in the future,” District Attorney First Assistant Jacob Johnson said.
Police previously confirmed one arrested in connection with Guillory’s killing - Elijah Paul Carter faces one count of second-degree murder.
If anyone has any additional information in connection to Draya’s death you’re asked to contact the Lake Charles Police Department. At this time, LCPD said more arrests are possible.
The lead investigators are Sgt. Willie Fontenot and Sgt. Kirk Farquhar.
Arrested:
- Elijah Paul Carter, 18: One count second-degree murder, principal. Arrested March 23 without incident. Bond: $2.5 million.
- Devonte Jermaine Glodd, 26: One count second-degree murder, accessory after the fact. Arrested March 24 without incident. Bond: $550,000.
- Jaylyn Lamar Botley, 23: One count criminal conspiracy to second-degree murder. Arrested March 28 without incident. Bond: $2.5 million.
- Zaylon Ray Wheeler, 18: One count second-degree murder, principal. Arrested March 28 without incident. Bond: $2.5 million.
- Martice Michelle Caine, 22: One count obstruction of justice. Arrested March 28 without incident. Bond: $100,000.
- Christopher Demond Orphey, 18: One count second-degree murder, principal. Arrested March 29 without incident. Bond: $2.5 million.
- Keyaisa Michelle Siverand, 23: One count second-degree murder, accessory after the fact. Arrested March 29 without incident. Bond: $550,000.
- Ja’Michael Issiah Siverand, 22: One count criminal conspiracy to second-degree murder. Arrested April 2 without incident. Bond: $2.5 million.
- Jessie James Siverand, 19: One count criminal conspiracy to second-degree murder. Arrested April 2 without incident. Bond: $2.5 million.
- Jeremy Donald Collins, 26: One count second-degree murder, principal. Arrested April 4 without incident. Bond: $2.5 million.
- Joshua Demonte Siverand, 22: One count criminal conspiracy to second-degree murder. Arrested April 2 without incident. Bond: $2.5 million.
- Michael Carter, 19: One count of criminal conspiracy to second-degree murder. Arrested April 7 without incident. Bond: $2.5 million.
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