BATON ROUGE, La. - Despite a 14% decrease in homicides and the successful removal of nearly 850 illegal guns from the streets, domestic violence continues to cast a shadow over the city, prompting law enforcement to call for the community's help in identifying offenders. During a press conference held at the Capital Area Family Justice Center on Government Street, BRPD Deputy Chief Darren Moses provided a somber update on domestic violence-related homicides. Out of the 50 recorded homicides this year, five were confirmed to be domestic-related. Among these cases, three were categorized as domestic family-related, and two involved a domestic intimate partner.
The Capital Area Family Justice Center is a refuge for individuals and children caught in unstable and potentially life-threatening domestic situations. The center offers various services, including assistance from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD), East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office, the District Attorney's office, and on-site therapists.
"All services at the Family Justice Center are provided free of charge and kept confidential. We aim to guide victims of domestic violence through the intricate systems they may encounter," stated Susan Hamilton, Executive Director of the Family Justice Center. However, despite these valuable services, officials recognize that prevention is equally crucial. They urge the community to be vigilant and proactive in identifying potential problems before they escalate. Organizations like the Iris Domestic Violence Center in Baton Rouge are prepared to help victims and their children, offering shelter and wraparound services. Patty Freeman, the representative of Iris, emphasized their crisis line's immediate action and the importance of providing care, love, and support to those in need.
To aid in the apprehension of dangerous domestic violence offenders, law enforcement has released the names of Baton Rouge's top six most wanted individuals and their charges:
Jiles Trevon Vaughn, b/m, 10-8-2001 Wanted for Attempted First Degree Murder, Illegal Use of a Weapon, Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, and Illegal Possession of a Firearm
Kerry Donell Holmes, b/m, 9-24-1989 Domestic Abuse Battery-Child Endangerment, False Imprisonment, and Theft
Daronshel Dearmon Blackman, b/m, 3-20-1992 Violation of Protective Orders, Criminal Damage to Property, Home Invasion, Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault, and Domestic Abuse Battery-Dangerous Weapon
Jermaine Rahsaan Williams, b/m, 4-25-1973 Domestic Abuse Aggravated d Assault, Violation of Protective Orders, Domestic Abuse Battery-Child Endangerment, Cruelty to Juveniles, and Domestic Battery
Jarkise Javon Robertson, b/m, 7-9-1997 Domestic Abuse Battery-Pregnant
Gregory Paul Jackson, b/m, 6-10-1967 Domestic Abuse Battery and Cruelty to Juveniles
Law enforcement encourages anyone with information about these individuals' whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers at 344-STOP or 344-7867. By working together, the community can play a vital role in combating domestic violence and ensuring the safety of all residents.