In the early morning hours of May 19, 2024, the life of 16-year-old Jonathan Johnson, Jr. was tragically cut short in a shooting on Carver Street near Wilkins Avenue in New Roads, Louisiana. The teenager, a male, was a student at Zachary High School where he was on the freshman football team.
The New Roads Police Department launched an investigation into the homicide, which led to the identification and arrest of four suspects.
On June 24, investigators apprehended 21-year-old Michael Anderson of Baker, 22-year-old Brandon Bell of Ventress, and 19-year-old Dylan Bell, also of Ventress. A fourth suspect, 19-year-old ZayQuin Joseph of Marksville, was taken into custody on July 2nd. All four individuals have been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Johnson's death.
Authorities have indicated that the investigation is ongoing as they continue to piece together the events of that fatal morning. Following the shooting that claimed Johnson's life, another shooting incident occurred in Pointe Coupee Parish on the same day, reportedly involving someone from the group connected to the initial shooting. Fortunately, no one was injured in the second incident. Investigators are exploring the link between the two events. ZayQuin Joseph is currently being held at the Pointe Coupee Parish Detention Center.
