Leslie Riley Jr., known to friends and neighbors as “Jody,” was a beloved figure in his South Baton Rouge community. The 66-year-old Black man was described by his son as someone who brought laughter and joy to everyone around him, and friends called him “one of the best.” He was a familiar face in his neighborhood, where he had lived for years.
On the afternoon of Sunday, July 24, 2022, Riley was sitting in his usual spot, talking with friends at the intersection of Tennessee
and East Polk Street. Around 3 p.m., a vehicle passed by and someone inside opened fire. Riley was struck by the gunfire and died at the scene. His family believes he was an innocent bystander. A second person, a 20-year-old man, was also wounded in the drive-by shooting; he went to a local hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
In the days that followed, balloons and signs reading “RIP Jody Riley” marked the spot where he was killed as the community mourned his sudden loss. Baton Rouge Police detectives began an investigation into the shooting that would continue for well over a year before an arrest was made.
In December 2023, investigators arrested their first suspect, 18-year-old Jordan Anderson, for his alleged role in the shooting. The investigation continued, and a second suspect, 20-year-old Bryce Collins, turned himself in to detectives on August 7, 2024. Both Anderson and Collins were booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.
Both men face charges of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder, and illegal use of a weapon. As of August 2024, the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 344-7867.
