In February 2022, the community of Opelousas, Louisiana, was shaken by the tragic death of Corey Rosette Jr., a 26-year-old African American male. Concern grew among his family after they had not heard from him for several days. Their request for a wellness check on February 14, 2022, led to a grim discovery at his home on Nicole Lane. Authorities found Rosette deceased, having sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
The last time his family had been in contact with him was three days earlier, on February 11.
The Opelousas Police Department swiftly launched a homicide investigation. Their efforts, which included the analysis of GPS data, cell phone records, and witness testimonies, soon pointed to a suspect. Jaleel Malik Durisseau, an 18-year-old from Opelousas, was arrested in connection with the murder. He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, and illegal carrying of a weapon. Later, a second suspect, 19-year-old Lenny Bruce of Deridder, was also apprehended and faced the same charges.
In October 2024, the legal proceedings against Jaleel Malik Durisseau came to a conclusion. A St. Landry Parish jury returned a unanimous verdict, finding him guilty of the second-degree murder of Corey Rosette Jr. The conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. His sentencing was scheduled for November 14, 2024. The successful prosecution was a result of the collaborative efforts of the Opelousas Police Department and the St. Landry Parish District Attorney's Office.
