In the autumn of 2022, a tragic series of events unfolded in Prairieville, Louisiana, culminating in the death of 18-year-old Travis 'TJ' Richardson Jr. On October 25th, Richardson, a male native and resident of nearby Gonzales, lost his life during what law enforcement officials have described as a botched robbery attempt on John Broussard Road.
According to the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, Richardson and a 20-year-old accomplice, Kayden Joseph Killian of St.
Amant, had conspired to rob an individual at a residence. When they arrived to carry out their plan, the intended victim was armed. The homeowner opened fire on both Richardson, who was also carrying a firearm, and Killian. Richardson was fatally wounded at the scene, while Killian managed to flee in a vehicle that was struck by gunfire. He was later transported to a local hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound.
The investigation into the shooting led authorities to unravel the preceding conspiracy. Detectives determined that Killian and Richardson had planned the robbery together. Consequently, a warrant was issued for Killian's arrest. In a unique turn of legal events, because Richardson's death occurred during the commission of a felony that Killian allegedly helped orchestrate, Killian faced a charge of second-degree murder in connection with his co-conspirator's death.
Following the issuance of the warrant, Kayden Killian turned himself in to the authorities. In addition to the second-degree murder charge, he also faced charges of attempted armed robbery, criminal conspiracy/armed robbery, and several drug possession charges, including fentanyl, clonazolam, and marijuana. The homeowner who fired the fatal shots was not charged, as the actions were deemed to be in self-defense during the attempted robbery.
