NEW ORLEANS, LA — Monday, April 20, 2026, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Rogers Williams announced that Lenton James VanBuren has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the 2021 killing of Aurrel Brown, whose life was taken in broad daylight on Chef Menteur Highway.
The conviction follows a lengthy legal process marked by delays, challenges, and an attempted escape from custody by the defendant. Despite those efforts, the case proceeded on the strength of the evidence, culminating in a conviction that ensures VanBuren will be held accountable.
“Today is about accountability. It is about justice. And it is about a clear message to anyone who believes they can commit violence in our city and escape the consequences,” said District Attorney Williams.
VanBuren was also involved in one of the most serious jail escape incidents in recent New Orleans history, an attempt not only to flee custody, but to evade accountability. That effort ultimately failed due to coordinated action among regional law enforcement partners, including the United States Marshals Service, resulting in the apprehension and return of all escapees to custody.
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A Case Built on Evidence, Community, and Persistence
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Assistant District Attorney Corbin Bates, who led the prosecution, emphasized the devastating impact of the crime and the importance of community cooperation in securing justice.
“This was a tragic loss of life,” said Bates. “Aurrel Brown was taken from his fiancée, his family, and his daughter. We are grateful to the New Orleans Police Department, especially Detective Lucretia Gantner, for building a strong case and ensuring we had the evidence necessary to hold the defendant accountable.”
Bates also credited members of the community whose willingness to come forward played a critical role in the case.
“Even the simplest act, calling 911, sharing information, helped us present the truth in court. That cooperation made a difference.”
The prosecution team included Investigator Basil Trepagnier, trial assistant Alicia Richards and Victim Witness Advocate Melissa Lewis, who worked closely with the victim’s family throughout the process to ensure they were supported and present at every stage.
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Homicide Unit Delivering Results That Stand
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OPDA Homicide Unit Chief Matthew Derbes highlighted the office’s continued success in securing justice for victims and families across the city.
“In just the first three and a half months of 2026, our team has secured 44 homicide convictions,” said Derbes. “That includes 32 convictions by guilty plea and a 12-for-12 record at trial this year.”
Derbes emphasized that the office’s focus remains on building strong, sustainable cases.
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“We are not rushing to judgment. We are ensuring that every case is solid, every right is respected, and every trial is fair. That is why none of our homicide convictions have been overturned on appeal. That is what it means to do this work the right way.”
Since January 2024, the Homicide Unit has secured 139 convictions through guilty pleas and maintained an approximately 85% trial conviction rate in both 2024 and 2025, with a perfect trial record thus far in 2026.
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