May 27, 2026

NEW ORLEANS — The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office announced that Elijah Williams was sentenced Tuesday, May 26, 2026, to 30 years in the Louisiana Department of Corrections after previously pleading guilty to two counts of Manslaughter, four counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder, and one count of Obstruction of Justice in connection with a 2022 mass shooting that claimed two lives and wounded multiple others.

Williams was sentenced in Section I of Orleans Parish Criminal District Court before Judge Leon Roche.

The plea and sentencing brought a measure of accountability in a case that resulted in the deaths of Kyron Peters and Courtney Hughes and left four additional victims injured following a shooting at a gathering inside an Airbnb on St. Maurice Street.

Tuesday’s sentencing followed years of work by prosecutors, investigators, law enforcement partners, victims, and family members seeking justice after an act of violence that forever changed multiple families.

“This case reflects the devastating ripple effects of gun violence,” said Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams. “Two people lost their lives, several others suffered life-altering injuries, and multiple families have spent years carrying unimaginable grief. Accountability cannot restore what was taken, but it does send a clear message that violence in our community will be met with consequences.”

According to the investigation, officers responded shortly after midnight on December 26, 2022, to reports of a shooting at an Airbnb located in the 2000 block of St. Maurice Street.

Kyron Peters was found suffering from a fatal gunshot wound outside the residence. Courtney Hughes was located inside suffering from gunshot injuries and later died from those injuries. Four additional victims sustained injuries and survived.

Investigators recovered numerous cartridge casings from multiple firearms at the scene, indicating that more than one shooter was involved in the incident.

Surveillance footage obtained during the investigation captured critical moments surrounding the shooting and became an important part of the evidence gathered in the case. Additional investigative efforts, including witness information, social media evidence, and surveillance materials, ultimately led investigators to Elijah Williams.

During the course of the investigation, information developed suggesting there had been an ongoing conflict involving Williams and victim Kyron Peters prior to the shooting. However, investigators were unable to establish a singular definitive motive.

“What the evidence established was that this act of violence produced devastating consequences,” Williams said. “Our responsibility remained focused on following the facts, supporting victims and families, and holding those responsible accountable.”

During Tuesday’s sentencing hearing, family members and loved ones addressed the court through victim impact statements, describing the lasting grief and pain caused by the violence.

Their testimony underscored the reality prosecutors and victim advocates see every day: acts of violence extend far beyond a crime scene and leave lasting impacts on parents, siblings, children, friends, and entire communities.

Throughout the prosecution, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Unit worked alongside surviving victims and family members to help guide them through the criminal justice process and provide support during an extraordinarily difficult period. Victim Witness Unit Chief Alison Morgado and Victim Witness Advocate Elizabeth Herron worked to ensure families had support, resources, and a voice throughout the life of the case while helping them navigate each stage of the process.

Assistant District Attorney Adele Krieger, who prosecuted the case, reflected on the impact the violence had on the families involved.

“Courtney and Kyron were taken from their families at a time when family and loved ones are held most dear,” Krieger said. “While there is nothing we can do to truly heal this terrible loss, I am hopeful that this resolution provided some measure of justice to both families. I am honored to have been able to help Ms. Derricka and Ms. Earlsel, who are two of the strongest mothers I have ever met.”

Throughout the prosecution, family members remained present and engaged as the case moved through the justice process, demonstrating resilience in the face of profound loss.

“This office remains committed to pursuing justice on behalf of victims and continuing the work of holding violent offenders accountable,” Williams said. “Every successful prosecution represents countless hours of work by prosecutors, investigators, victim advocates, and law enforcement partners working together to make our communities safer.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Adele Krieger with support from Victim Witness Unit Chief Alison Morgado, Victim Witness Advocate Elizabeth Herron, and law enforcement partners.

Case Information:
Defendant: Elijah Williams (Case No. 557-945)
Disposition: Guilty plea to two counts of Manslaughter, four counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder, and one count of Obstruction of Justice
Sentence: 30 years, Louisiana Department of Corrections