WBRZ - Baton Rouge

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• Sheriff: Cabin not purposely burned in firefight

  February 14, 2013 7:09 AM

  LOS ANGELES - The San Bernardino County sheriff says the fire that engulfed the cabin where murder suspect Christopher Dorner barricaded himself was not set on purpose. Sheriff John McMahon says, "we did not intentionally burn down that cabin to get Mr. Dorner out." He says deputies lobbed pyrotechnic tear... more »

• AP source: Dorner's license found in burned cabin

  February 13, 2013 8:46 AM

  BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. - An official briefed on the investigation tells The Associated Press that a wallet with a California driver's license with the name Christopher Dorner has been found in the rubble of a cabin. A charred body was also found inside after a shootout and fire. Authorities... more »

• Sanity hearing requested in officer's death

  February 6, 2013 7:00 AM

  LAFAYETTE - An attorney for the 48-year-old Charenton man accused of killing a police officer and another man last month says he will seek to have his client examined by a two-doctor sanity commission. Public defender Craig Colwart says Wilbert Thibodeaux "exhibited bizarre behavior" before and after the Jan. 26... more »

• Chiefs from mass-shooting towns to meet with Obama

  January 28, 2013 7:25 AM

  WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama will meet with police chiefs from three communities that have experienced mass shootings, part of his administration's push to address gun violence. Obama is drawing attention to the worst shootings of 2012, inviting the police chiefs from: Aurora, Colo., where 12 were killed in July;... more »

• Fontana, Calif., schools get high-powered rifles

  January 23, 2013 1:03 PM

  FONTANA, Calif. - A Southern California school police force has acquired semiautomatic rifles for officers to bring to campuses under a controversial safety program. Fontana Unified School District police purchased 14 of the Colt 6940 rifles last fall, well before the Connecticut school massacre. The $1,000 rifles were received last... more »

• Will Obama's order lead to surge in gun research?

  January 17, 2013 3:46 PM

  MILWAUKEE - Researchers say that President Barack Obama's order to encourage use of federal money to study gun violence may help lead to more knowledge about how to prevent firearm injuries and deaths. About 30,000 Americans die from gun violence each year, nearly the same number as from car crashes.... more »

• Judge asked to delay ex-N.O. cop's trial

  January 17, 2013 3:56 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - A federal judge has been asked to postpone the retrial of a retired New Orleans police sergeant charged with helping cover up deadly shootings on a bridge after Hurricane Katrina. U.S. District Judge Kurt Engelhardt didn't immediately rule on the joint request by lawyers for Gerard Dugue... more »

• In letters, children ask Obama to change gun laws

  January 16, 2013 8:02 AM

  WASHINGTON - The White House says President Barack Obama will be joined by children who sent letters expressing concern about gun crimes when he announces proposals today to reduce gun violence. The White House shared three of the letters with The Associated Press. Three days after 26 students... more »

• Payments coming for Colo. theater shooting victims

  November 16, 2012 5:50 PM

  DENVER - A mediator handling the distribution of about $5.3 million in donations to victims of the Colorado theater shootings says disbursement amounts have been finalized. A gunman killed 12 people and injured at least 58 others at an Aurora movie theater July 20. Aurora Victim Relief Fund special master... more »

• Person of interest in custody in Mich. shootings

  November 6, 2012 9:15 AM

  WIXOM, Mich. - Michigan authorities have taken a person of interest into custody in connection with dozens of shootings across four counties that resulted in at least one injury. Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth tells The Associated Press that authorities executed a search warrant late Monday night in Wixom,... more »

• EBRSO, UBS team up to honor St. John deputies Play Video

  August 24, 2012 4:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A blood drive held today will ultimately help cut hospital costs for St. John Parish Sheriff's deputies injured in two shootings last week. United Blood Services Phlebotomist Maria Irving says the blood will not necessarily be given to deputies Michael Boyington and Jason Triche in the... more »

• 3 suspects in St. John deputy shootings make plea

  August 24, 2012 2:22 PM

  EDGARD - Three of the suspects connected in the shooting of four St. John the Baptist Parish sheriff's deputies have been arraigned in state court. The parish district attorney's office says Brian Smith, Kyle Joekel and Brittney Keith entered not guilty pleas Friday. Smith and Joekel are both charged... more »

• Murder charges filed against suspects in deputy shootings

  August 23, 2012 7:20 AM

  LAPLACE -Three suspects accused in last week's deputy shootings face additional charges this morning. Officials signed warrants Wednesday for Brian Lyn Smith, Kyle David Joekel and Brittney Keith. Smith and Joekel both face two counts of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a police... more »

• People turn out to give blood after deputies killed Play Video

  August 17, 2012 6:31 PM

  LAPLACE - People from around the state gave blood today at the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office in a show of support after four deputies were killed or injured in a pair of shootings. Lt. Tim May with the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office was among those officers... more »

• FBI: Sikh temple shootings motive still unknown

  August 8, 2012 1:11 PM

  MILWAUKEE - The FBI says the motive behind the shootings at a Sikh temple that left six worshippers dead remains unknown but authorities still haven't identified anyone other than the gunman as being responsible. FBI Special Agent in Charge Teresa Carlson also told a Wednesday news conference that investigators determined... more »

• La. man wanted for shootings arrested in Alabama

  August 2, 2012 2:33 PM

  AMITE, La. - A Hammond man sought in a double shooting in Tangipahoa Parish has been arrested in Huntsville, Ala., the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office says. Deputies tell The Advocate that Brandon Francois, 18, was taken into custody Wednesday night on second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder charges in the... more »

• 2 adults, 1 child killed in New Orleans shootings

  May 30, 2012 3:03 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - A day of sporadic gun violence in New Orleans, including an evening rush-hour shooting near a major thoroughfare, has left two adults and one child dead. The latest police report indicated the child, a girl, was 5 years old. She was among those hit in the rush... more »

• Baton Rouge Police investigate three shootings Play Video

  May 18, 2012 5:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Investigators are trying to pinpoint a motive in two shootings that sent two men to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Around 11:30pm Thursday night, police responded to an apartment complex at 3700 East Brookstown Drive where a man was found lying in the parking lot... more »

• Suspect arrested in deadly Miss. highway shootings

  May 18, 2012 7:38 AM

  JACKSON, Miss. - A suspect in two deadly highway shootings in Mississippi is behind bars. Authorities say 28-year-old James Willie will be charged with capital murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault and rape. Earlier this month, two people were found dead either in or near their cars along two highways. Police... more »

• Travel warning following deadly highway shootings

  May 14, 2012 6:02 PM

  HERNANDO - Mississippi police are keeping many details to themselves of two deadly shootings along Mississippi highways that authorities believe could be at the hands of someone posing as law enforcement who is pulling people over. DeSoto County district attorney John Champion said at a Monday news conference that specifics... more »

• 11-year-old, two others hurt in BR shootings Play Video

  May 14, 2012 3:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Two separate shootings in the Scotlandville area wounded three people this weekend. The first shooting happened at Snipe and Somerset just before 8pm. Investigators say a 60-year-old woman was shot in the abdomen and is fighting for her life. An 11-year-old's face was also grazed by those... more »

• Several injured in shootings across area

  May 14, 2012 7:17 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Police are investigating a number of shootings across the city that left four people injured. The latest shooting happened just after 2 a.m. Monday in the 2600 block of Laurel Street. The victim told police he was walking along the street when someone allegedly pulled up... more »

• Mom finds 3 people murdered at day care

  April 9, 2012 6:23 PM

  BROOKLYN PARK - Police say a mother who takes her toddler to a home day care in Minnesota discovered three adults shot to death inside. Police in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park gave new details of the triple slaying early Monday morning. Spokesman Todd Milburn says the woman had... more »

• Jury finds Va. Tech negligent in '07 shootings

  March 14, 2012 2:33 PM

  CHRISTIANSBURG, Va.- A jury has found Virginia Tech negligent for delaying a campus warning of the first shootings in a 2007 campus massacre that left 33 dead. Jurors returned the verdict Wednesday in a wrongful death civil suit brought by the parents of two students who were killed on April... more »

• Man dies, others injured in shootings overnight

  March 12, 2012 5:09 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Police are investigating two shootings that happened within 4 hours of each other in the Baton Rouge area. The latest happened around 3 a.m. this morning in Mid-City. Officers arrived to the 5500 block of Melrose Blvd. to find two men injured under the carport of... more »

• Village shootings, American accused

  March 11, 2012 9:39 AM

  KABUL - Afghan and NATO officials say a US service person walked out of a base in southern Afghanistan before dawn today and started shooting Afghan civilians in two villages. Officials said 16 people were killed including women and children. NATO forces have detained the US service person who has... more »

• Prosecution rests in trial over Katrina shootings

  January 26, 2012 3:45 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Federal prosecutors have rested their case in the trial of a retired police sergeant charged with helping to cover up deadly shootings of unarmed residents on a New Orleans bridge after Hurricane Katrina. The Times-Picayune reports that the first defense witness for Gerard Dugue's trial was Lance... more »

• BRPD investigates two morning shootings Play Video

  November 30, 2011 6:03 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A man is dead and three others are injured following two separate early morning shootings in Baton Rouge. Police identified the victim as Wykendrick Kemp, 20, of 4242 Gurney St and say that robbery seems to be the motive. Police responded to a call on... more »

• Judge acquits cop of stomping victim in Katrina bridge shootings

  October 20, 2011 2:28 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - A federal judge has overturned portions of a jury's verdict against five current or former police officers convicted of civil rights violations in deadly shootings on a New Orleans bridge after Hurricane Katrina. In his ruling Thursday, U.S. District Judge Kurt Engelhardt said jurors didn't hear... more »

• Witness in post-Katrina shootings enters prison

  September 30, 2011 2:14 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - A former police officer who pleaded guilty to helping cover up deadly police shootings of unarmed New Orleans residents following Hurricane Katrina has begun serving an eight-year prison sentence - although prosecutors hope to get that sentence reduced. The Federal Bureau of Prisons said 34-year-old Michael... more »

• Man sentenced for lying about Katrina shootings

  September 14, 2011 2:45 PM

  NEW ORLEANS- A man who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about what he saw near a New Orleans bridge where police shot unarmed residents after Hurricane Katrina has been sentenced to 8 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Helen Berrigan on Wednesday also sentenced Marion David Ryder... more »

• Ascension Parish fugitive sought

  August 4, 2011 2:47 PM

  DONALDSONVILLE - Ascension Parish authorities are searching for a dangerous fugitive in connection with two shootings that occurred in the City of Donaldsonville. Deputies are looking for Larry Earl Miles, 22, of 924 Elizabeth Street in Donaldsonville. The shootings occurred the night of July 3rd in the... more »

• Prosecution rests in Katrina bridge shootings trial

  July 21, 2011 2:37 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - The prosecution has rested its case in the trial of five current or former police officers charged in deadly shootings on a New Orleans bridge after Hurricane Katrina. A jury heard more than three weeks of testimony before federal prosecutors called their final witness Thursday. ... more »

• Virginia Tech fined $55K for reponse to shootings

  March 29, 2011 3:15 PM

  RICHMOND, Va.- The U.S. Department of Education has fined Virginia Tech $55,000 for waiting too long to notify students during a 2007 shooting rampage. The amount was the maximum fine Tech faced for two violations of the federal Clery Act, which requires timely reporting of crimes on campus. ... more »

• Police investigating double murder in Baton Rouge

  February 13, 2011 9:34 AM

  BATON ROUGE- Baton Rouge Police are investigating a double murder. It happened Saturday evening in the 4100 block of Mohican-Prescott Crossover. Police identified the victims as Brandon Watson, 30, of Baton Rouge and Calvin Ervin, 46, of Baton Rouge. Both men died at the scene. Police did not... more »

• Doc 'actually confident' of Giffords recovery

  January 14, 2011 12:00 PM

  TUCSON - The neurosurgeon treating Rep. Gabrielle Giffords said Friday doctors are "actually confident" she's making progress in her recovery. Dr. Michael Lemole said her eyes are opening more frequently and she can carry out more complex sequences of activity in response to commands and on her own. Giffords was... more »

• Local elected officials weigh in on security after Arizona shootings

  January 10, 2011 10:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The deadly shootings in Arizona over the weekend, that were targeted at a congresswoman, are raising questions across the country about security for elected officials. Louisiana leaders say there has to be a balance between being safe and being accessible, and answering to the people shouldn't... more »

• NOPD Looking for suspects in French Quarter shootings

  November 1, 2010 10:06 AM

  NEW ORLEANS- Police are investigating two separate shootings that happened in the French Quarter. One was fatal. Most recent, a dead body was found about 6:30 this morning, on the corner of Burgundy and St. Louis streets. No suspects or motives have been identified yet. NOPD is also... more »

• La. man pleads guilty in shooting of officers

  October 26, 2010 7:09 AM

  A 29-year-old man has pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder charges in the 2008 shootings of two Baton Rouge police officers who confronted him after a high-speed car chase. Christopher Joseph Johnson of Baton Rouge also pleaded guilty Monday to a charge of felon in possession of a firearm. The... more »

• Some question whether crime effort is working

  October 25, 2010 5:27 PM

  Nearly two weeks after an unprecedented crime effort was announced to fight violence on the streets of Baton Rouge, some are questioning whether that announcement was a publicity stunt. It comes after a violent weekend in Baton Rouge left two people dead and four others recovering from gunshot wounds. ... more »

• Series of shootings in Baton Rouge overnight

  October 23, 2010 11:00 AM

  Baton Rouge Police responded to three separate shootings overnight. The first shooting happened after 10 p.m. Friday on West Roosevelt Street. The second shooting happened around 4 a.m. Saturday in the 2700 block of Osage Street. The third shooting happened moments later in the 4800 block of... more »

• Loved ones of two murdered yesterday upset with police

  October 20, 2010 6:14 PM

  Family and friends of two men murdered yesterday in Baton Rouge are upset with the way police handled the crimes. 31-year-old Alton Spears and 56-year-old Johnny “J-boy” Kelley were found shortly after sunrise Tuesday morning on Delphine Street and Florida Street. Both suffered from multiple gunshot wounds. Family... more »

• Sentencing delay sought for ex-N.O. cop

  October 13, 2010 6:43 AM

  Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to postpone a sentencing hearing for a former New Orleans police officer who pleaded guilty to helping cover up deadly shootings of unarmed residents on a bridge in Hurricane Katrina's aftermath. The former officer, Michael Hunter, is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 17, but... more »

• Former New Orleans officer sentenced in bridge shootings

  September 22, 2010 2:56 PM

  A former New Orleans police detective who admitted he helped cover up deadly shootings on a bridge after Hurricane Katrina, has been sentenced to three years in prison. Jeffrey Lehrmann is one of five former officers who pleaded guilty in the probe of the Danziger Bridge shootings. Two... more »

• Weekend shootings leave some outraged

  September 6, 2010 6:24 PM

  Seven shootings in two days left some people in Baton Rouge outraged. Many believe it will take more than police to crack down on violence. "I just know that there has to be change," said Christopher Honore. Honore watched from his front door as two people were shot... more »

• Two arrested for firing gun in air, following 7 weekend shootings

  September 6, 2010 5:17 PM

  Two men in East Baton Rouge Parish were arrested earlier today when they shot a gun near a subdivision after smoking marijuana. It comes on the heels of a violent weekend that left two people dead and eight others wounded. 19-year-old Joshua Magee and 22-year-old Jason Bazille were arrested after... more »

• Judge wont delay sentencing in Katrina bridge shooting

  August 31, 2010 10:42 AM

  A federal judge has refused to postpone a sentencing hearing for Jeffrey Lehrmann, a former New Orleans police detective who pleaded guilty to helping cover up a deadly police shooting after Hurricane Katrina. Justice Department lawyers previously asked U.S. District Judge Lance Africk to reconsider an earlier ruling and... more »

• Deadline extended for death penalty decision

  August 18, 2010 5:34 AM

  The deadline for the Justice Department to decide whether to seek the death penalty against four current or former New Orleans police officers charged in deadly shootings on a bridge after Hurricane Katrina has been extended. Prosecutors now have until Sept. 10 to announce a decision instead of Aug. 31.... more »

• 3 people found shot to death in NW La.

  August 17, 2010 7:12 AM

  Three people have been found shot to death in a car in Caddo Parish. The shootings happened around 10:30 p.m. Monday in Spring Ridge. Investigators found an assault rifle, but don't know if it was used in the attack. Investigators have identified a person of interest in the case. No... more »

• 3 to be arraigned in Katrina police shootings

  July 27, 2010 5:53 AM

  Three current or former New Orleans police officers are to be arraigned on charges they conspired to cover up deadly shootings of unarmed residents after Hurricane Katrina. Sgt. Arthur Kaufman and retired Sgt. Gerard Dugue, who investigated the shootings, face federal charges including obstruction of justice. The indictment claims former... more »

• Ex-officer expected to plead in bridge shootings

  June 4, 2010 5:20 AM

  A former New Orleans police officer, charged with helping cover up the deadly shootings of unarmed residents on the Danzinger Bridge after Hurricane Katrina, is expected to plead guilty to two federal charges. Ignatius Hills was charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice and misprision of felony under a bill of... more »

• Another former officer charged: Katrina Bridge Shootings

  May 21, 2010 12:01 PM

  The 5th former New Orleans police officer has been charged in connection to the federal investigation of the shootings on a New Orleans bridge, a few days after Hurricane Katrina. Igatius Hills, 33, was charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice and misprision of felony today. Police officers are... more »

• Perception over deadly weekend problematic for Baton Rouge

  April 19, 2010 4:35 PM

  The perception surrounding a bloody weekend in Baton Rouge could spell trouble for economic development in the city, according to one expert. Over the weekend, four people died and two others went to hospitals in four separate shootings. LSU Professor Kirby Goidel studies the perception on cities in... more »

• Afternoon shooting marks fourth in 24 hours

  April 17, 2010 6:15 PM

  Police are looking for the trigger man behind the fourth shooting in 24 hours in Baton Rouge. The shooting happened just before 2:30 pm on Harvey Drive off of Florida Boulevard. Investigators believe guns were drawn after a fight between two men, leaving one of them dead and the... more »

• UPDATE: Violent Friday in Baton Rouge

  April 17, 2010 3:46 PM

  UPDATE: Baton Rouge Police say Travis Kirklin, 20, and Sabrina Wilson, 21, were found dead under the carport of 3678 Ontario Street. Police have not released the name of the third victim, a 17-year-old male. He is in stable condition at a local hospital. News 2's Rob Krieger... more »

• Violent Friday in Baton Rouge

  April 17, 2010 12:49 AM

  Three separate shootings in Baton Rouge Friday left three people dead and several more injured. A double murder on Ontario St. ended the violent spree. Police were called to the 3600 block east of North Acadian Thruway at 8:33 p.m. Investigators found a man and woman dead of gunshot... more »

• 3rd ex-officer pleads guilty in Katrina probe

  April 7, 2010 3:34 PM

  A former New Orleans police officer has told authorities he saw a fellow officer shoot and kick unarmed, wounded civilians in a deadly incident on a bridge in Hurricane Katrina's aftermath. The former officer, Michael Hunter, pleaded guilty Wednesday to helping cover up the shootings on the Danziger Bridge... more »

• Three arrested in home invasion shootings

  March 31, 2010 9:28 AM

  Deputies arrested three teenagers in connection with a home invasion at 8387 Siegen Lane where one of the suspects was killed by a resident of the home. Eighteen-year-old DeCourie D. Jackson, 19-year-old Kyle J. Hawkins and18-year-old Raisha D. Snell and 18-year-old Charles Beardon allegedly planned to rob the home where... more »

• Seattle police kill suspect in officer slayings

  December 1, 2009 7:01 AM

  The man suspected of gunning down four police officers in a suburban coffee shop was shot and killed by Seattle police early Tuesday. Maurice Clemmons was shot to death in a working-class south Seattle neighborhood after police tracked him down using possible hiding spots supplied by Pierce County investigators. Authorities... more »

• Thanksgiving marked by violence

  November 26, 2009 4:11 PM

  Two people are dead and another man is recovering after being shot this Thanksgiving. The most recent shooting happened in the Mall City area off Florida Blvd. Investigators say the victim was shot in the leg. "I heard five gun shots and saw people standing around a body,"... more »

• Baton Rouge Police investigating two deadly shootings

  November 26, 2009 8:28 AM

  In another shooting in Baton Rouge, police are looking for 41-year-old Willie Dunn, Jr. Dunn is accused of shooting Petra Jones in the head Wednesday night in the parking lot of The Dancers Club on Airline Hwy, after a fight inside. Police say after the shooting Dunn fled... more »

• D.C.-area sniper John Allen Muhammad executed

  November 10, 2009 9:53 PM

  John Allen Muhammad died by injection at 9:11 p.m. EST at the Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, Va., according to prison spokesman Larry Traylor. Muhammad was the mastermind of the sniper attacks that terrorized the nation's capital region for three weeks in October 2002. Muhammad had no final statement.... more »

• Accused shooter in Fort Hood massacre still alive

  November 5, 2009 8:36 PM

  A U.S. Army Major accused of being the gunman who killed eleven people and wounded 31 at Fort Hood, Texas is still alive contrary to early reports that he was shot and killed. Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan is in custody and received medical attention but the Army says he is... more »