A quiet morning in the Linwood Subdivision of Opelousas, Louisiana, was shattered by the sound of gunfire on January 10, 2023, leaving a family and community in mourning. Jonathan Semien, a 38-year-old male resident of Opelousas, was found shot to death, marking the first homicide of the new year in St. Landry Parish. The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office responded to reports of shots fired on Kenneth Boagni Sr.
Drive near the Townhouse apartments and discovered a grim scene.
Investigators determined that the violence had begun inside Semien's own vehicle. Evidence strongly suggested that the shooter had been sitting in the passenger seat before opening fire. The brutal attack continued even after Semien exited his car, as he was shot multiple times more, succumbing to his wounds right there on the street. The brazen nature of the crime in the early morning hours left the local community on edge and searching for answers that were not immediately forthcoming.
In the days and weeks that followed, the investigation into Jonathan Semien's murder continued, yet the case grew cold. Despite the efforts of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with the slaying. The case remains an open and active investigation. To encourage potential witnesses to come forward, the St. Landry Parish Crime Stoppers has offered a cash reward of up to $2,500 for any information that leads to an arrest. Authorities have urged anyone with knowledge of the crime to break the silence and help bring closure to Semien's grieving family and a community still waiting for justice.
