FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 3, 2025

Orleans Parish DA Jason Williams Announces Guilty Verdict in Taylor Berry Domestic Violence Attempted Murder Case

NEW ORLEANS, LA – On Friday, January 31, 2025, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams held a press conference to announce the guilty as charged verdict returned by a jury against Taylor Berry for Attempted Second-Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Obstruction of Justice, and Illegal Discharge of a Firearm During a Violent Crime. The verdict was reached on Thursday evening, January 30, 2025.

These charges stem from a violent domestic dispute on October 13, 2023, during which Berry shot his girlfriend, Kristen Darin, in the head at point-blank range.

DA Williams was joined at the press conference by Assistant District Attorneys Alexandra Geisssmann and Joseph Tucker, Victim Advocate Elizabeth Herron, Trial Assistant Michelle Lyons, and Homicide Unit Investigator Adrian Malone, who prosecuted the case.

“This was a case of escalating domestic violence that nearly turned fatal,” said DA Williams. “The jury saw the truth in this case, and they delivered the only just verdict. The message from this team is clear: if you choose violence in our city—if you harm your partner, your family, or anyone else in our community—we will hold you accountable.”

Case Overview

During the press conference, prosecutors outlined the events that led to Berry’s conviction.

On the night of the shooting, Taylor Berry assaulted Kristen Darin inside a convenience store, striking her in the face and headbutting her before ultimately shooting her in the head. The entire incident was captured on surveillance video, which proved that Berry’s claim of self-defense was a lie.

Following the shooting, Berry fled the scene. NOPD Officer Kandace Cowie stayed with the victim while 5th District officers pursued and apprehended Berry nearby. Before he was taken into custody, Berry pointed his firearm at Lt. Anthony Michou, who fired at Berry but did not strike him.

Though Kristen Darin miraculously survived, her injuries left her unable to participate in the trial. The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case on her behalf, securing justice for a victim who could not speak for herself.

Critical Role of Surveillance Video

During the press conference, Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Geissmann emphasized the crucial role of video evidence in securing the conviction.

“Detectives Michael Flores and TJ Murray worked quickly to obtain surveillance footage that captured the entire attack,” said ADA Geissmann. “That video allowed us to present indisputable proof to the jury that Taylor Berry intentionally tried to kill Kristen Darin. Without that footage, this case could have been much more difficult to prosecute.”

DA Williams also spoke about the importance of video technology in solving and preventing crime, highlighting Project NOLA’s advanced camera network as a key tool in modern investigations.

“We are continuously evolving the way we build the strongest possible cases,” said Williams. “We have invested in open-source intelligence, cellular data analysis, and risk terrain modeling—but there is still incredible value in what surveillance cameras can capture in real time.”

A Call to Domestic Violence Survivors

During the press conference, Assistant District Attorney Joseph Tucker delivered a message to domestic violence victims, encouraging them to seek help.

“If you are living with abuse, we are here to fight for you,” said ADA Tucker. “You are not alone. We will do everything in our power to bring justice and protect survivors of domestic violence.”

DA Williams delivers a clear message to those experiencing domestic violence: “If you find yourself in a domestic violence situation of ANY degree, it will not stop over time. It will either continue, escalate, or become fatal or near-fatal. Getting out of that situation is a matter of life or death.”

Taylor Berry Faces Significant Prison Time

Berry now faces 10 to 50 years in prison for the Attempted Second-Degree Murder charge alone, with additional sentences for the other offenses. If Kristen Darin succumbs to her injuries, Berry could face further charges.

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Email: communications@orleansda.com