In the summer of 2017, the life of 36-year-old James Thomas, an African American male, was abruptly cut short in Gretna, Louisiana. A graduate of De La Salle High School, where he had earned an athletic scholarship to Delta State University, Thomas was a driver for UPS and a devoted father. On Saturday, August 12, 2017, a dispute escalated into a fatal encounter, and Thomas was shot multiple times, his death leaving a void in the lives of his family and friends.
A native of Marrero and a resident of Terrytown, his passing was a tragic loss to the community.
The Gretna Police Department swiftly launched an investigation into the homicide. Their work led them to two brothers, Willie Slater, then 37, and Harold Slater, then 33. Eyewitness accounts and evidence gathered at the scene pointed to the Slater brothers as the primary suspects in Thomas's shooting. The motive for the killing was reported to be an ongoing conflict involving a woman and drugs. It was also noted that both brothers had prior convictions related to cocaine distribution.
Following their arrest, Willie and Harold Slater allegedly confessed to their involvement in the murder. In a significant breakthrough in the case, they reportedly led investigators to the location of the murder weapon, a black semi-automatic. 40 caliber handgun. Both brothers were subsequently booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, facing charges of second-degree murder for the death of James Thomas. The case highlighted the devastating consequences of violence and personal disputes within the community.
