On the last day of the year, a Sunday evening in Rayne, Louisiana, turned tragic for Harry L. Richard, Jr. The 36-year-old man, known to friends and family as 'Fluff,' was found with multiple critical gunshot wounds to his upper body in the 1000 block of Lyman Avenue. The incident occurred at approximately 11 p.m. on December 31, 2023. Emergency services responded to the scene and transported Richard to Ochsner Acadia General Hospital in Crowley.
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries and passed away.
The investigation into the shooting led by the Rayne Police Department, with assistance from the Scott Police Department, quickly identified potential suspects. A search warrant was executed in the 900 block of Provost Street, which resulted in the arrest of 16-year-old Damyrion Devontae Williams. He was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder and armed robbery. The decision was made to try Williams as an adult, and he was subsequently booked into the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office Jail with a bond set at $500,000.
Further investigation led to a second arrest in connection with the homicide. The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office and the Rayne Police Department executed another search warrant, this time in Opelousas. This operation resulted in the apprehension of 19-year-old Tay'vion Williams of Lafayette for his alleged involvement in the shooting. He was to be booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail before being transferred to Acadia Parish.
Harry 'Fluff' Richard Jr. was remembered by his loved ones as a God-fearing, selfless, and kindhearted man who brought smiles to many faces. His warm and gentle spirit was a hallmark of his personality. He had a passion for detailing cars and riding his motorcycle and cherished the time he spent with his friends and family. An active member of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Branch, Louisiana, his death left a void in the community. He is survived by his companion, four children, and numerous other family members and friends.
