May 4, 2026

NEW ORLEANS, LA – May 4, 2026 — An Orleans Parish jury returned a unanimous guilty-as-charged verdict on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, convicting Nickolas Stackpoole of second-degree murder, illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and obstruction of justice in the 2022 killing of 24-year-old Toiannie Odom. The jury reached its verdict in less than two hours of deliberation.

The swift verdict reflects the strength of the evidence presented and the coordinated work of prosecutors, investigators, and law enforcement partners who built a case rooted in accountability and truth.

On August 24, 2022, Toiannie Odom was found fatally shot near her vehicle off Chef Menteur Highway. Through a detailed investigation, law enforcement utilized cell phone data placing Stackpoole near the scene at the time of the killing, alongside witness statements documenting a history of violence within the relationship. Detectives recovered a 20-gauge shotgun from the defendant’s vehicle, which forensic testing confirmed was the weapon used in the homicide.

“This case is a reminder of the devastating and often deadly reality of domestic violence,” said Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Rogers Williams. “This verdict is about accountability, but it is also about recognizing the human life that was taken and the family forever changed by that loss.”

The prosecution was led by Homicide Unit Chief Matthew Derbes and Assistant District Attorney Savannah Robinson, supported by Trial Assistant Diene “DJ” Giles, Investigator Elizabeth Garcia, and Victim Witness Advocate Liz Herron. The team worked in close partnership with the New Orleans Police Department, including Lt. Nick Williams and Detective Stephanie Gray, whose investigative work laid the foundation for the conviction.

“This case required an extraordinary level of coordination and persistence,” said Homicide Unit Chief Matthew Derbes. “From tracking down key witnesses across multiple facilities to presenting extensive digital and forensic evidence, every member of this team played a critical role in ensuring the jury had a clear and complete picture of the truth. It is an honor to stand with this family and help deliver a measure of justice.”

Assistant District Attorney Savannah Robinson added:
“It takes a village. It takes time. It takes diligence. This conviction was secured by an army of people who loved and cared about Toi and who believed justice would come in due time.”

For Toiannie Odom’s family, the verdict marks the beginning of a long-awaited path toward justice, though the loss remains immeasurable.

“Our journey has just begun,” said Dr. Darlene Brown, Odom’s aunt. “We have secured a conviction, but we lost someone we can never get back. We don’t have the privilege of seeing her grow into who she was meant to be. What we do have is the start of justice, and we are grateful to everyone who stood with us and helped make this possible.”

This case underscores the urgent and ongoing reality of domestic violence across communities. The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office is urging anyone experiencing abuse to seek help and support.

“You are not alone,” Williams said. “We understand that leaving a dangerous situation is not simple, and at times it can be life-threatening. But your safety comes first. When you are able to do so safely, reach out to someone you trust or connect with advocates who can help guide you toward a safer environment. You deserve to live without fear.”

Confidential support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or online at thehotline.org, as well as locally through the New Orleans Family Justice Center at www.nofjc.org and Metro Centers for Community Advocacy’s 24-hour crisis line at (504) 837-5400. These organizations provide critical services including safety planning, shelter, legal advocacy, and counseling for survivors.

Community members are also encouraged to take action if they see signs of abuse.

“Silence can be dangerous,” Williams added. “Speaking up, checking in, and connecting someone to help can save a life.”

The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding offenders accountable while working alongside community partners to prevent violence and support survivors.

Tel: (504) 822-2414 | Email: communications@orleansda.com