District Attorney’s Office Secures 1st and 2nd Degree Murder Convictions Against Tyrone Steele for 2022 Serial Murders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 8, 2024

District Attorney’s Office Secures 1st and 2nd Degree Murder Convictions Against Tyrone Steele for 2022 Serial Murders

 

New Orleans, LA — In a remarkable public safety development, today, District Attorney Jason Williams announced the successful prosecution of Tyrone Steele for first and second-degree murder, aggravated battery and other charges following a weeklong trial. Tyrone Steele, a serial killer whose violent and heinous actions claimed the lives of at least 5 individuals, has been brought to justice thanks to the diligent efforts of the prosecution team led by DA Williams and ADA Corbin Bates.

Steele’s reign of terror, which spanned over a month, saw him perpetrate extreme acts of violence resulting in the loss of 5 young lives. Among the victims were Donald McNeil, Darrin Williams, Nehemiah Jones, Amya Cornin, and Shane Brown. The OPDA Trial team presented compelling evidence linking Steele to these crimes, including ballistics, DNA evidence, surveillance footage, and social media posts.

District Attorney Jason Williams along with Assistant District Attorneys Corbin Bates and Corey Tassin, expertly prepared and presented the case against Steele, illuminating the sheer inhumanity of his actions and the impact they had on the victims’ families and the community at large.

DA Jason Williams emphasized the significance of this conviction, stating, “We have removed one of the most violent predators that I’ve ever seen in New Orleans.” While acknowledging the complexity of the case, Williams heralded the commitment of his staff and the NOPD Detectives who investigated these cases, stating: “This team had to weave together facts and critical evidence from multiple homicides at multiple crime scenes. None of this would have been possible without the meticulous police work of Sgt. Robert Barrere, Detective Kevin Burns, and Detective Nicholas Davis, who ensured that every detail was documented and every piece of evidence preserved.”

Throughout the trial, Steele showed no remorse for his abhorrent crimes, which involved stalking and mutilating his victims in a manner reminiscent of scenes from a horror movie. His reign of terror has come to an end, thanks to the dedication and expertise of ADA Corbin Bates and Corey Tassin, supported by Trial Assistant Dana Casbon and Victim Advocate Natasha Childress. The successful outcome of this trial would also not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of Investigator Elizabeth Garcia and the investigations team, under the leadership of Investigations Bureau Chief Aaron Washington.

“While no verdict can ever bring back the lives lost or fully ease the pain of the victims’ families, today’s convictions bring a measure of closure and justice,” said DA Williams. “We remain committed to pursuing justice for all victims, and we will continue to fight on behalf of those who have suffered at the hands of violent criminals like Tyrone Steele.”

The convictions secured in this trial underscore the unwavering commitment of the District Attorney’s Office to combatting violent crime and ensuring the safety and security of our community. As DA Williams emphasized, “Our fight against violent crime is far from over. Criminals should take notice: we will utilize all available resources traditional and out-of-the-box modern innovations to hold you accountable for your actions and to protect our neighbors from harm.”

Tyrone Steele now faces a mandatory life-in-prison sentence for his egregious offenses. The conviction serves as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and all those involved in the pursuit of justice.

Judge Benedict Williard, who presided over this case, scheduled Steele’s sentencing for March 15, 2024, in Section C.