Shooting suspect captured

Published 9:08 am Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Authorities recently arrested the second of three men, wanted in connection with a Sept. 29 shooting death in Bogalusa.

Charles Edward Jenkins, 22, of Lumberton, was taken into custody by Pearl River County, Miss., Sheriff’s Department deputies on Friday, Oct. 9 after he turned himself in to authorities there. He was transported back to Washington Parish. Jenkins was wanted in connection with the shooting death of Trevante Martice Toney, 21, of Lumberton.

Jenkins waived extradition and is currently in the Washington Parish Jail awaiting trial. His bond was set at $200,000.

“Jenkins claimed he thought he had some old fines here. Later, he told me his dad told him about some warrants in Bogalusa and talked him into turning himself in here for his own safety rather than turning himself in at Bogalusa. He had two or three versions,” Pearl River Chief Deputy Shane Tucker said.

Warrants charge Jenkins with attempted first-degree murder, obstruction of justice, illegal use of a dangerous weapon and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

Bogalusa Police Department officials said events surrounding Toney’s death involved a drug deal. The killing took place in the afternoon, on East Fifth Street. A large crowd of onlookers surrounded the area as BPD officers investigated the crime scene.

Another individual allegedly connected to the shooting was arrested on Oct. 7 by Lamar County, Miss., deputies. Thelonious Savoy Williams, 21, of Lumberton, was taken into custody at his residence in Lumberton. He was transported back to Washington Parish and is in the parish jail with bond set at $75,000.

One other person reportedly involved in the shooting remains at large. He is Bogalusa’s Brandon Lotts, 29. Lotts is wanted for first-degree murder, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, dangerous use of a weapon, aggravated criminal damage to property, obstruction of justice and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, heroin, ecstasy and cocaine.

Shortly after Toney was shot, Lotts was discovered bleeding from an apparent gunshot wound near Bennie’s Wings & Things on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Lotts managed to run away from police before he could be captured.

“The investigation into Jenkins is still ongoing,” Bogalusa Police Chief Joe Culpepper said. “Detectives are still working their case files to get them ready for trial.

“With the apprehension of Jenkins, it’s another part of the case that is complete.”

Culpepper requested that citizens with any information concerning the case contact New Orleans Crime Stoppers at 504-837-8477, Bogalusa Detectives Division at 985-732-6238 or the Police Department at 985-732-3611. Tips leading to Lotts’ apprehension could result in a reward.