On October 28, 2023, the Nacogdoches Police Department responded to a welfare check at a residence on South Stone Street in Nacogdoches, Texas. Upon arrival, officers discovered two women deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. The victims were identified as 73-year-old Laura Sanford and her daughter, 48-year-old Laquice Sanford.
Following an extensive investigation by the Nacogdoches Police Department's Patrol, Criminal Investigation, and Technical Services Divisions, evidence was
presented to a Nacogdoches County Grand Jury. As a result, on April 3, 2024, the Grand Jury indicted 41-year-old Ronnie Jernigan Jr., identified as the boyfriend of the late Laquice Sanford, on charges of capital murder. Jernigan was subsequently arrested and is currently incarcerated in the Nacogdoches County Law Enforcement Center.
The tragic deaths of Laura and Laquice Sanford have deeply affected the Nacogdoches community. The Nacogdoches Police Department has requested that the community keep the family and friends of the victims in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
