In the early morning hours of February 12, 2026, the life of 18-year-old Edwyn Williams, a Black/African American male, was tragically cut short in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Williams, a senior at Baker High School, was discovered inside a car in the parking lot of The Reserve at Howell Place apartment complex off Plank Road. He had sustained a fatal gunshot wound. The Baton Rouge Police Department received a call about the shooting at approximately 6 a.m.
and, upon arrival, found Williams deceased. The East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner's Office later officially identified him as the victim.
The news of his death sent shockwaves through his school community, where he was remembered as a "mild-mannered young man who was well-liked by his peers." The City of Baker School System and Helix Community Schools expressed their devastation over the loss and made grief counseling services available to students and staff. In the days that followed, Williams' family, grappling with their sudden and profound loss, set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses. His mother described her son in a heartfelt plea for support. A celebration of his life was scheduled for February 28, 2026, at Hall's Celebration Center.
The investigation into the homicide led to a significant development just over a week later. On February 22, 2026, 17-year-old Timothy Thomas Jr. turned himself in to homicide detectives. Following his surrender, Thomas was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. He faces charges of second-degree murder and illegal use of a weapon in connection with the death of Edwyn Williams. Authorities noted that Thomas had a prior criminal history which included flight from an officer, resisting an officer, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The investigation into the motive and the circumstances immediately preceding the shooting is ongoing.
