FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 3, 2024

Guilty Verdicts Announced in 2013 Double Murder Case

New Orleans, LA – On Friday, June 28, 2024, a New Orleans jury delivered a verdict, finding Kenneth Jones Jr. guilty of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice, and David Wisham Sr. guilty of obstruction of justice. This decision brings a long-awaited measure of justice to the loved ones of both victims, and overdue accountability to these defendants for the heinous crimes they committed.

“This was a very challenging case considering the arrests were not made until 2021, almost eight years after the killings, when a witness came forward after initially telling detectives he did not see anything,” said Chief of Homicide Matthew Derbes.

According to authorities, on December 13, 2013, officers discovered Ryesha Arbuthnot in the parking lot of an apartment complex, where she had tragically suffered fatal stab and gunshot wounds. Inside the apartment, her mother, Lisa Arbuthnot, was found with fatal gunshot wounds, a heartbreaking scene that underscored the brutality and overly violent nature of the crimes.

“This verdict is a testament to the dedication of Captain Wayne Delarge and Detective Joseph Jefferson. Their relentless pursuit of justice ensured that the voices of Ryesha and Lisa Arbuthnot were heard and not forgotten, even in the face of significant challenges. We are grateful to have played a part in bringing some measure of peace to the Arbuthnot family,” said ADA Greg Thompson.

The outcome of this trial is not possible but for the tireless work and commitment to justice from the full team who dedicated their efforts to the pursuit of closure for the Arbuthnot Family. Investigators Adrian Malone and Rayvon Souffrant, Trial Assistant Cameron Viator, and Victim Witness Advocate Jasmine Hillyer each exhibited the highest level of professionalism and expertise within their respective disciplines to give prosecutors every opportunity to prevail at trial. Their tireless efforts and commitment to this city were evident in the final outcome.

District Attorney Williams added, “While this does not ease the pain of the family, we hope that it sends a loud and clear message to those who commit these heinous crimes: your day of reckoning will come. We stand firm in our commitment to pursuing justice for all victims and families affected by crime in the city of New Orleans.”