NEW ORLEANS — An Orleans Parish jury unanimously found Jeremiah Williams (Case No. 566-612) guilty as charged on Friday, October 23, 2026, of second-degree murder, obstruction of justice, and possession of a firearm or weapon by a convicted felon in connection with the November 2024 killing of U.S. Army Reserve Sergeant Frederick Magee Jr.
The verdict followed a four-day jury trial prosecuted by an all-women team from the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (OPDA) Homicide Unit.
According to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 6:30 p.m. on November 3, 2024, in the 700 block of Tchoupitoulas Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered Magee lying on the sidewalk outside a hotel, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded, but Magee was pronounced dead at the scene.
Surveillance footage captured the driver of a black SUV exiting the vehicle, approaching Magee, and opening fire with a rifle. The shooter continued firing after Magee fell to the ground before returning to the SUV and fleeing the scene. Investigators recovered 12 spent rifle casings from the location.
NOPD Homicide Detective Matthew Riffle led the investigation, which relied on surveillance footage and cellular phone data to track the suspect vehicle’s movements to the West Bank. Investigators subsequently located a burned SUV believed to have been used in the shooting. The investigation identified Williams as the shooter.
Co-defendant Jerroy Holden pleaded guilty as charged to obstruction of justice on October 16, 2026, ahead of Williams’ trial. According to the NOPD investigative report, Holden assisted Williams in burning the vehicle used in the killing.
The case was prosecuted in Section K of Orleans Parish Criminal District Court before Judge Marcus DeLarge. Assistant District Attorney Abigail MacDonald served as lead prosecutor, alongside Assistant District Attorney Adele Krieger as second chair. Victim-Witness Advocate Melissa Robles, OPDA Investigator Elizabeth Garcia, and Trial Assistant Diene “DJ” Jiles provided critical support throughout the prosecution.
Notably, the prosecution team was composed entirely of women, whose collective work helped bring the case from investigation through trial to a unanimous guilty verdict. Their contributions reflect the vital roles women serve throughout the District Attorney’s Office, from courtroom advocacy and criminal investigations to trial preparation and supporting victims and their families through the judicial process.
“Sergeant Frederick Magee Jr. served his country, and he deserved to live his life free from this senseless violence,” said Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams. “His family deserves to know that his life mattered. This verdict reflects the tireless work of an extraordinary team of women who brought their skill, determination, and commitment to justice into that courtroom. Their work sends a clear message: violent offenders will be held accountable, victims will never be forgotten, and we will never stop fighting for the safety of the people of New Orleans.”
The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office recognizes MacDonald, Krieger, Robles, Garcia, and Jiles for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the pursuit of justice.
Following the verdict, Williams was remanded into custody. Sentencing is scheduled for November 6, 2026.
The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office remains steadfast in its commitment to seeking justice for victims of violent crime, supporting grieving families, and holding individuals accountable through thorough investigations and fair, effective prosecutions.
