FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 12, 2025

Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office Announce Jury Verdicts in Separate High-profile Homicide Cases

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams held a press conference to announce the verdicts returned by a jury in two high-profile cases, delivering long-awaited justice for the victims and their families. On Friday, February 7, 2025, after careful deliberation, a jury returned guilty verdicts in the separate trials of Larry Davis and Taurus Tilly, both of whom were convicted on multiple charges related to violent crimes in Orleans Parish.

1) Larry Davis (Case No. 558415) for second-degree murder, obstruction of justice, armed robbery with a firearm, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

2) Taurus Tilly (Case No. 558289) for obstruction of justice, manslaughter, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

These successful prosecutions reflect the tireless efforts of the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement agencies, and the judicial system in bringing closure to the families affected by these crimes. Much credit is also due to the jurors who served in each of the trials conducted last week. Throughout the multi-day proceedings, these Orleans Parish residents remained attentive and engaged, carefully listening to grueling details and complex legal arguments before deliberating and reaching their verdicts. Serving on a jury at Tulane and Broad is no small responsibility, and while some may seek to avoid it, those who step up to fulfill this civic duty deserve recognition and appreciation for their commitment to justice.

Larry Davis Convicted in the 2023 Murder of Carneal Knapper, Jr.

Larry Davis has been convicted for the March 2023 murder of Carneal Knapper, Jr., who was tragically gunned down in the parking lot of Willie Mae’s after confronting individuals he believed had stolen his backpack. What began as an attempt to reclaim his belongings ended in an unnecessary and senseless act of violence—one that should never have occurred.

Following his conviction on charges of second-degree murder, obstruction of justice, armed robbery with a firearm, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, Davis now faces a mandatory life sentence. Davis’s sentencing is set for April 4, 2025, in section K.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Chief of Homicide Matt Derbes and Homicide ADA Zac Creel, whose diligent efforts helped secure justice for Knapper and his loved ones.

Taurus Tilly Convicted in the Murder of Lyft Driver Marvin Bardales Valle

In the early hours of March 8, 2023, Marvin Bardales Valle, a Lyft driver, was shot and killed by one of his passengers while on duty. Certified records from Lyft confirmed that his final passenger was the defendant, Taurus Tilly.

During the investigation, Tilly admitted to shooting Bardales but claimed self-defense. However, forensic evidence and crime scene analysis disproved his account, revealing a much darker reality.

The Louisiana State Police (LSP) assisted the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) in tracking the stolen vehicle, apprehending Tilly, and executing a search warrant at an apartment complex in Slidell, where Tilly had been staying. During the search, investigators recovered the murder weapon, which was later tested at the NOPD Crime Lab. Ballistics analysis conclusively linked the firearm to a shell casing found at the crime scene.

The evidence demonstrated that Tilly chased Bardales out of his own vehicle and shot him a third time before stealing the car, solidifying his role in the cold-blooded murder. Tilly’s sentencing is set for April 17, 2025, in section G.

This case was tried by Homicide Unit ADA Forrest Ladd and Deputy Chief of Trials Corey Tassin.

Special recognition goes to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), particularly Detective Matthew Riffle (lead investigator in the Larry Davis case) and Sergeant Meghan Constantine (lead investigator in the Taurus Tilly case). Their relentless efforts in gathering and analyzing critical evidence were instrumental in securing these convictions.

As we move forward to the sentencing phase, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office reaffirms its steady commitment to the pursuit of justice for victims of violence

Tel: 504.816.2165

Email: communications@orleansda.com