FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 12, 2025
 

Jury Convicts Zachary Alexander Cheek in 2022 Killing of 25-Year-Old Sarah Horrigan

DA Williams applauds Prosecution Team for Securing Guilty Verdict in Domestic Violence Homicide Case

NEW ORLEANS – District Attorney Jason Williams announced today that a New Orleans jury has returned guilty verdicts against Zachary Alexander Cheek for the October 2022 killing of 25-year-old Sarah Horrigan. Cheek was convicted of Manslaughter, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Obstruction of Justice after a weeklong trial that exposed both the brutality of the crime and the defendant’s calculated attempts to conceal it.

Sarah, described by her family as a vibrant daughter, sister, mother, and friend, was shot and killed by someone who claimed to love her. The killing occurred inside her home and was followed by efforts to mislead investigators. Cheek, a convicted felon at the time, unlawfully armed himself with a semi-automatic rifle before ending Sarah’s life.

DA Jason Williams Urges Urgent Action Against Domestic Violence Following Verdict

“No verdict can undo the pain of this loss, but I hope this outcome brings a measure of accountability and the beginning of peace,” said DA Jason Williams. “Domestic violence is real, it is deadly, and too often it escalates until it is too late. If you or someone you know is in danger, you need to get out—today, not tomorrow.”

ADA Andre Jeanfreau, who co-led the prosecution, emphasized the preventable nature of the crime. “Mr. Cheek is a four-time convicted felon prior to this. This is his fifth, sixth, and seventh felony convictions. Had he not had a gun, none of this could have happened. Had he not broken the law and made those choices, Sarah could still be with us today,” Jeanfreau said.
The verdict follows extensive work by a multi-agency team, including:

• Assistant District Attorneys Andre Jeanfreau and Adele Krieger, lead prosecutors

• NOPD Detective Ryan Aucoin, lead investigator

• Victim Witness Advocate Elizabeth Herron, who supported the family throughout the process

• Trial Assistant Erin Fuenning, who managed case logistics

• OPDA Homicide Unit Investigator Basil Trepagnier, Jr., who secured critical final evidence

DA Jason Williams Urges Urgent Action Against Domestic Violence Following Verdict

Williams noted that the case reflects the OPDA Homicide Unit’s continued success in tackling violent crime, particularly domestic violence homicides, through aggressive prosecution and deep community engagement. The unit, led by Chief Matthew Derbes, has built one of the highest homicide trial conviction rates in the country.

In the last 30 days alone, OPDA has secured 14 guilty pleas in homicide cases, a testament to the office’s relentless approach to violent crime. Williams credited not only his team, but also strong partnerships with NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, the Louisiana State Police, and other agencies for historic reductions in New Orleans’ murder rate.
“This is not luck, this is hard work every hour, every day,” Williams said. “We are not going back to the days when New Orleans was called the murder capital of the United States. Our community is stepping up, reclaiming neighborhoods, and saying loud and clear: ‘We’ve had enough.’”

ADA Adele Krieger underscored the emotional toll the trial took on the family, noting that Cheek “victim-blamed and victim-shamed” instead of taking responsibility. “It’s because of their strength and resilience that we’re here today, that we’ve gotten the justice Sarah deserves,” Krieger said.

Help is Here — Reach Out Now, Your Safety Can’t Wait

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788, or visit www.thehotline.org. Help is available, and leaving now could save a life.
Click Here to Watch the Full Press Conference on Instagram
Contact: OPDA Communications

Tel: 504.822.2414

Email: communications@orleansda.com