Guilty Verdict Returned in State v. John Duncan for 2nd Degree Murder and Obstruction of Justice

New Orleans, LA – April 18, 2024 – Today, justice was served as a jury in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court returned a guilty verdict for John Duncan on charges of 2nd Degree Murder, Obstruction of Justice, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm in the case of the December 2022 killing of Michael Rogers.

The conviction follows a strong presentation by the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, led by Homicide Unit Chief Matthew Derbes and ADA Joseph Tucker. Together, Derbes and Tucker pulled together an impressive collection of undeniable evidence to overcome Duncan’s claims that he was falsely accused.

The prosecution’s case against Duncan was irrefutable, supported by compelling evidence including surveillance footage, detailed testimony of the police investigation from lead Detective Lucretia Gantner, and the words of key witnesses, including Duncan and his parents.

Today’s conviction of Duncan represents his second conviction for a homicide. Duncan was released in 2020, following a 2004 conviction for killing another New Orleans man during Jazz Fest.

This conviction is especially impactful, as John Duncan has shown himself to be a serial murderer and a danger to public safety. The previous conviction for murder coupled with today’s verdict demonstrates a penchant for extreme violence and a pattern that cannot be ignored.

“The conviction of John Duncan is a significant victory for justice and for the state of public safety for our city,” said OPDA Homicide Unit Chief Matthew Derbes. “John Duncan is a serial murderer whose history already suggested that he should not be on the streets of New Orleans. When given a second chance to prove he could live among law-abiding members of the community, he took another life without hesitation.”

In a case where the victim was unhoused without the presence of supporters in the courtroom, OPDA prosecutors mounted a full press prosecution, reaffirming its commitment to pursuing justice for every victim, irrespective of their circumstances. Today’s decision sends a clear message that murderers will be held accountable for their actions, regardless of the significance they give to their victim’s lives.

“Michael Rogers, the victim in the case, was homeless and unfortunately we didn’t have a single surviving family member at the trial, said Derbes.”

Derbes continued, “In our roles, we’ve made a commitment to every victim and family that we give 110% to the pursuit of justice whether the victim is a decorated police officer or a homeless person, and whether the case is high profile or no profile.”

Derbes closed by crediting the crucial role of the entire trial team and law enforcement partners in this verdict:

“I am extremely proud of the tireless efforts of this trial team, including my co-counsel ADA Joseph Tucker, Witness Coordinator Melissa Lewis, and Trial Assistant Diene’ Jiles, who prepared voluminous exhibits and evidence, and did so many other intangible things behind the scenes to make us look sharp in front of this jury.”

Their dedication, along with the invaluable contributions of NOPD Detective Lucretia Gantner, ensured that justice was served for Michael Rogers.”

The conviction of John Duncan represents a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and security of all of our communities, and the OPDA remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the principles of justice for all.