In the spring of 2023, the life of Jawaski Rad Conrad Thomas, a 47-year-old Black male affectionately known as 'Rad,' was tragically cut short in his hometown of Ville Platte, Louisiana. On the evening of Monday, April 24th, the Ville Platte Police Department received a call about a shooting on East General Beauregard Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered Thomas with a gunshot wound.
He was quickly transported to a local hospital, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the homicide led authorities to a suspect, Johnwell T. Richards, a 39-year-old resident of Ville Platte. The day after the shooting, on Tuesday, April 25th, Richards was taken into custody by the Ville Platte Police Department. He was subsequently charged with one count of second-degree murder in connection with the death of Jawaski Thomas.
Following his arrest, Richards was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail. A judge set his bond at $750,000. The motive for the shooting was not immediately released by law enforcement officials as the investigation continued. The community was left to mourn the loss of a man who was a son, a husband, and a father.
