Jaleel Marquis Guidry, a 29-year-old male, tragically lost his life to gun violence on Sunday, October 20, 2024, in Opelousas, Louisiana. Born on August 19, 1995, Guidry was a 2014 graduate of Opelousas Senior High School. After graduation, he entered the workforce, holding various jobs, including at Cierra Tank Services and as a security guard. He was a father to two daughters.
The Opelousas Police Department's investigation into the homicide led them to identify 23-year-old Gerard
Jevaris Griffin Jr. as the primary suspect in the fatal shooting. On November 7, 2024, authorities arrested Griffin in connection with Guidry's death. He has been charged with First Degree Murder.
During the course of their investigation, police also arrested Griffin's mother, 49-year-old Finecia Renee Draper. She is accused of interfering with the investigation by providing false information to investigators and attempting to conceal evidence related to the crime. Draper faces charges of Obstruction of Justice. Both Griffin and Draper are currently in custody at the St. Landry Parish Jail as the investigation continues.
