Orleans Parish Grand Jury returns indictments for 11 murders, rape, and kidnapping

that took place in our neighborhoods

NEW ORLEANS – Today, District Attorney Williams continues his administration’s work to deliver justice for victims and survivors as he announces 13 recent Grand Jury indictment decisions. The District Attorney’s Office remains focused on prosecuting serious, violent offenders in our neighborhoods.

On September 20, 2021, Ermes Lopez was arrested for the sexual assault of a four-year-old girl. According to reports, Mr. Lopez engaged in a number of explicit, sexual acts; including sexual battery with a 5-vear old boy. Lopez was indicted for first degree rape and one count of aggravated crime against nature.

Robert Jones, V was indicted for second degree murder, domestic abuse aggravated assault with a firearm, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm after allegedly murdering his father. According to reports, Mr. Jones confessed to shooting his father multiple times. This incident took place July 22, 2021 in the 7700 block of Briarwood Street in New Orleans East.

Based on DNA collected at the scene of crime by detectives and matching vehicle and clothing descriptions captured on video, Mekail Harris was indicted with one count of second degree murder with a firearm and attempted second degree murder with a firearm. Harris also is charged with one count of obstruction of justice in a second degree murder investigation involving a homicide occurring in January 2021.

After allegedly murdering Terrance Johnson in June 2021, Sharod Williams and Tracey Bell were each charged with one count of second degree murder with a firearm, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and obstruction of justice in a second degree murder investigation. Additionally, Williams was indicted with second degree murder with a firearm and obstruction of justice in a second degree murder investigation for the murder of Brianisha Caine and attempted first degree rape and simple robbery in the 3800 block of Washington Ave. Also, Bell was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The Orleans Parish Grand Jury also indicted Larry Isaac for second degree murder with a firearm and obstruction of justice in a second degree murder investigation. According to NOPD reports, while Mr. Isaac was driving, the victim attempted to stab him with a needle; so, he shot her with his girlfriend’s gun.

After allegedly cutting a victim’s throat, Amber Gates was arrested for aggravated second degree battery. According to NOPD reports, a witness informed officers that a woman, later identified as Ms. Gates, asked for a ride and stated, “I just cut a man’s throat.” Gates was indicted for second degree murder.

Following a physical altercation with Darrin Gallin that ended in Damon Rideau allegedly shooting Gallin to death, Rideau was arrested. According to reports, Gallin and Rideau had worked together for several years. Mr. Rideau was indicted for second degree murder and obstruction of justice in a homicide investigation.

Bobby K. Parker was indicted on three counts of aggravated rape and aggravated kidnapping. All three incidents occurred in May 1993.

Bernard Nwubah was arrested for the August 14, 2021 shooting in the 2600 block of Dumaine Street. The victim died from a gunshot wound to the head. Nwubah was indicted on second degree murder and obstruction of justice in a homicide investigation.

The New Orleans Grand Jury indicted Barry Bowie for second degree murder, felon in possession of a firearm, and obstruction of justice in a homicide investigation. According to reports, prior to the shooting Bowie and the victim were engaged in a verbal altercation.

Keldin Castro was on indicted for second degree murder, attempted second degree murder, and obstruction of justice in a homicide investigation. Reports state that Castro shot two victims. One victim died from injuries’ sustained, while the other victim was listed in stable condition at the time of the scene.

Additionally, Don Palmer was indicted for second degree murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and obstruction of justice in a homicide investigation for the murder of Alvin Polk which occurred on July 1, 2021. While in the hospital the victim identified Mr. Palmer as the individual that shot him. According to reports, the defendant’s cell phone was located on the crime scene.

Lastly, the Orleans Parish Grand Jury indicted Joshua Blancher for second degree murder, obstruction of justice in a homicide investigation, illegal discharge during a crime of violence, and stalking. Additionally, Mr. Blancher was indicted for 3 counts of attempted second degree murder and illegal discharge during a crime of violence in incidents occurring during July 2021.

In addition to correcting the sins of the past in a criminal legal system that has led to mass incarceration and wrongful convictions, District Attorney Williams has committed to prioritizing violent, serious crimes occurring in New Orleans. These indictments are proof positive of this commitment, and the DA’s Office looks forward to securing justice for the victims and their families.

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