Kyron Davis, a 25-year-old man from La Place, Louisiana, was at his home on West Second Street on the evening of Wednesday, October 14, 2026, when his life was cut short. Investigators believe an altercation broke out during a transaction at his residence, leading to the fatal encounter.
Just before 9 p.m., deputies from the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to simultaneous 911 calls.
One reported gunfire in the area of Fir Street, while another reported a vehicle had crashed into the St. Joan of Arc Thrift Store in the 300 block of the same street. When officers arrived at the crash scene, they found Kyron Davis lying on the ground outside his wrecked vehicle. He was unconscious, unresponsive, and suffering from gunshot wounds.
Authorities determined that after being shot at his home, Kyron had attempted to drive himself to get medical help. He lost consciousness while driving, causing his vehicle to crash into the thrift store. The building, which was closed at the time, sustained substantial damage, but no one else was injured. Emergency responders transported Kyron to Ochsner Medical Center in La Place, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation into Kyron’s death was led by the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Mike Tregre stated that detectives relied heavily on technology to piece together what happened. Using a combination of Flock cameras, SJSO crime cameras, and surveillance footage from local residences and businesses, investigators were able to identify the vehicle used in the shooting and track down the individuals involved. The murder weapon was also recovered. “If it weren’t for this camera technology, we still might be trying to figure out what happened,” Sheriff Tregre said.
Within days, five people were arrested in connection with the homicide. On October 15, 2026, detectives arrested Jaren Byrd, 24, of La Place, charging him with second-degree murder and illegal possession of a stolen firearm. He was held without bond. Authorities allege he was the one who pulled the trigger. Three alleged accomplices were also taken into custody. Jaren Byrd’s wife, Maleekah V. Byrd, 29, of Metairie, was charged with accessory after the fact to second-degree murder and obstruction of justice. Jaunta Lakan Johnson, 25, of La Place, faced charges of accessory after the fact to second-degree murder, obstruction of justice, illegal transfer of a firearm to a prohibited possessor, and filing false public records. Kerry Otis Bardell, Jr., 25, of Garyville, was booked with accessory after the fact to second-degree murder and obstruction of justice.
In a surprising turn, Kyron's own brother, Donald Ray Davis III, 22, was also arrested on October 15. Witnesses told investigators he was present during the transaction that led to the shooting. He allegedly fled the scene and refused to cooperate with detectives. He was booked with obstruction of justice and violation of probation and parole.
The investigation was a collaborative effort, with assistance from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Kenner Police Department, and Homeland Security. A judge set bond for Maleekah Byrd at $870,000, for Jaunta Lakan Johnson at $910,000, and for Kerry Otis Bardell, Jr. at $120,000.
As of October 2026, the investigation was ongoing, with the possibility of additional arrests. The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office encouraged anyone with information to call the TIPS line at (985) 359-TIPS or Det. Sgt. Myaka Lane at (985) 212-7536.
