DA’s Office Secures Manslaughter Conviction for Killing of 17-Year-Old

DA’s Office uses Firearm Enhancement, a key prong of DA Williams’ plan to combat violent crime, to ensure appropriate accountability for defendant

NEW ORLEANS – This week, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (OPDA) secured the conviction of defendant Joann McDaniel for the killing of 17-year-old Tajana Williams in New Orleans’ Desire neighborhood in August 2018. Led by Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) Joseph Zanetti and Constance Tullier, the jury trial resulted in McDaniel being convicted of Manslaughter and Obstruction of Justice.

“This conviction is continued proof of our commitment to the people of New Orleans that the DA’s Office is surging back against crime and remaining laser-focused on ensuring that those who wreak havoc in our neighborhoods are held accountable for their actions,” said District Attorney Jason Williams. “Special thanks to ADAs Zanetti and Tullier for presenting a strong case and securing a unanimous conviction for the victims of this crime, as well as the care and attention provided by Victim/Witness Advocate Vickie Landry to the family. Additionally, I want to thank NOPD Detective Christopher Puccio for his diligent investigative efforts in this case. Now that a conviction is secured, we hope that the family and friends of 17-year-old Tajana Williams can continue moving forward in healing.”

The trial took place in Section H of Criminal District Court; Judge Camille Buras presided. The sentencing date is set for November 30, 2022. With the firearm enhancement, a key prong of DA Williams’ plan to combat violent crime, the defendant faces a minimum of 20 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years for Manslaughter. Additionally, she faces up to 40 years for Obstruction of Justice.

This conviction complements the success of DA Williams and OPDA prosecutors to secure convictions ​via jury trial since the resumption of jury trials in March. When cases come to OPDA with sufficient evidence, OPDA has vigorously fought for victims of violent crimes. Guilty jury trial verdicts secured since March include:

• DA Williams, along with OPDA Trials Division Chief Matthew Derbes, secured the conviction of Samuel Hunter for Second Degree Murder.
• ADAs Liz Strauss and Adele Krieger secured the conviction of Demeccio Caston for Second Degree Murder.
• ADAs Samantha Stagias and Carmen Gealogo secured the conviction of Trae Williams for Manslaughter.
• Chief Derbes and ADA Joe Zanetti secured the conviction of Harrison Bethley for murder.
• ADAs Corbin Bates and Carmen Gealogo secured the conviction of Jhustyn Garrett for Domestic Abuse.
• DA Williams, along with OPDA Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Unit Chief Mary Glass and ADA Naomi Jones, secured the conviction of William McDonough for rape.
• ADA/Screening Division Chief Andre Gaudin, Jr. and First Asst. Ned McGowan secured the conviction of Christopher Alexander for murder.
• ADAs Simone Levine and Brad Scott secured the conviction of Gerald “Frog” West for murder.
• SAKI Chief Mary Glass and ADA Naomi Jones secured the cold case conviction of defendant Roland Butler for kidnapping, robbery, and sexual assault.
• ADA Samantha Stagias secured the conviction of defendant Tremaine Williams for Aggravated Battery and Felon with a Firearm.
• DA Williams, along with ADAs Christian Hebert-Pryor and Screening Chief Andre Gaudin, Jr., secured the conviction of Garrett Ward for murder.
• Deputy Chief of Trials Lilian Hangartner and ADA Samantha Stagias secured the unanimous conviction of Joshua Riley for Third Degree Rape.
• ADAs Alex Calenda and Katherine Messina secured the conviction of defendant Michael Robinson for Second Degree Murder.
• ADAs Tori Guidry and Susan Kutcher secured the conviction of Damien Jenkins for Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
• Deputy Chief of Trials Lilian Hangartner and ADA Penny Kissinger secured the conviction of defendant Shonnon Esteen for the rape of two minors.
• ADAs Christian Hebert-Pryor and William Dieters secured a unanimous guilty as charged verdict of defendant Craig Curley, Sr. for sexual abuse of a minor.
• DA Williams, along with ADAs Joe Zanetti and Corbin Bates, secured the guilty as charged conviction of Damond Scott for Second Degree Murder, Attempted Second Degree Murder, and Obstruction of Justice.
• DA Williams, along with ADAs​ Andre Gaudin​, Jr. and Simone Levine, secured the conviction of defendant Darren Bridges for the murder of NOPD Officer Marcus McNeil.

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