What began as a call about a pedestrian struck on the old Mississippi River Bridge on the evening of February 13, 2025, quickly unraveled into a complex homicide investigation. The victim was identified as 41-year-old Gerard Nicholas Richard of Baton Rouge. Authorities arriving at the scene discovered Richard's body had been roped and taped, suggesting an attempt to dispose of his remains by throwing him from the bridge.
However, the attempt was unsuccessful, and his body was left on the bridge where it was struck by multiple vehicles.
The investigation into Richard's death led authorities to his girlfriend, Coshelia Conley, 36, and several of her family members. Arrest documents reveal a violent altercation that preceded the discovery of Richard's body. Witnesses reported that an argument escalated at an apartment complex, during which Da'Sean Conley, Coshelia's 17-year-old son, allegedly beat and punched Richard. Further investigation uncovered that another family member, Darius Conley, 33, held Richard at gunpoint with an assault rifle during the assault. Richard was then forced into a Chevy Tahoe where he was fatally shot. Approximately 30 minutes later, his body was found on the bridge. A bloody blanket and a weighted kettlebell were recovered at the scene, indicating an attempt to weigh down the body.
The subsequent investigation revealed efforts by the Conley family to conceal the crime. After the murder, the family is said to have destroyed evidence and attempted to dispose of Richard's body. Law enforcement located Coshelia Conley's vehicle, which had been intentionally set on fire in East Feliciana Parish more than an hour after Richard's body was discovered. A search of her apartment uncovered the smell of bleach and blood that was not visible to the naked eye, suggesting a thorough cleaning of the premises.
Four members of the Conley family have been arrested in connection with the murder of Gerard Nicholas Richard. Darius Conley faces charges of first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, and obstruction of justice. Da'Sean Conley has been charged with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice. Coshelia Conley, the victim's girlfriend, is charged with obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact to second-degree murder. The grandmother, Cathy Conley, has been charged as a principal to second-degree murder and with obstruction of justice.
