On the evening of February 13, 2025, the body of 41-year-old Gerard Nicholas Richard, a male resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was discovered in a horrific state on the Huey P. Long Bridge. His remains were found wrapped in a blanket, with his wrists bound by rope and tape. The initial scene suggested a pedestrian fatality, but it quickly became apparent to investigators that this was a homicide, as his body had been run over by multiple vehicles.
The investigation into Richard's death
led authorities to a Baker apartment complex where they uncovered a trail of blood and bleach leading from the parking lot to an apartment. This apartment belonged to Richard's 36-year-old girlfriend, Coshelia Conley. Security footage from the complex captured Conley, her 17-year-old son Da'Sean Conley, and her mother Cathy Conley moving trash bags containing what appeared to be bloodied clothing just half an hour before Richard's body was found.
Authorities allege that an altercation between Da'Sean Conley and Richard escalated, with Da'Sean physically assaulting him. It is further believed that another individual, 33-year-old Darius Conley, held Richard at gunpoint with an assault rifle during the assault. The two then allegedly forced Richard into a vehicle, where he was shot and killed. Investigators believe there was an attempt to dispose of Richard's body by throwing it from the bridge, but the attempt was unsuccessful. A vehicle connected to the suspects was later found intentionally set on fire. Inside another vehicle driven by Coshelia Conley, authorities discovered a gas can, bleach-soaked towels, and what appeared to be blood. A motive suggested by reports was that Da'Sean Conley was upset about Richard's relationship with his mother.
Four individuals were arrested in connection with the murder. Da'Sean Conley was charged with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice. Darius Conley faces charges of first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, and obstruction of justice. Coshelia Conley was charged with obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact to second-degree murder. Cathy Conley was charged as a principal to second-degree murder and with obstruction of justice. All four suspects have pleaded not guilty to their respective charges.
