The Jury
Sydney Hubbard staff Twelve citizens. Louisiana law dictates that murder trial juries consist of 12 citizens who, as of January 1, 2019, must reach a unanimous verdict. Lindsey Guidry Juror in the 2025 murder case against Rondell Dewey in Houma, Louisiana. The jury found the defendant guilty of second-degree murder. Anonymous Juror in 2021 murder […]
Albert Short
Emily Gramajo staff Albert “Short Dog” Short is remembered by those around him for his easy smile and gentle nature. At 21, his life was cut short after a meeting in a mall parking lot turned violent. His family chooses to focus on his life rather than his death. “He was a man with a […]
The Penalties
Kate Clement Design Editor If convicted of murder, these are the penalties in Louisiana. First Degree Murder Death Penalty or Life in Prison Second Degree Murder Life in Prison with no Parole Manslaughter Up to 40 years in prison
Thibodaux Massacre
Cutting sugar cane in Louisiana between 1880-1897. Source: The Library of Congress Jennifer Marts Video/Audio Editor The History John DeSantis journalist & author of “The Thibodaux Massacre” Margie Scoby founder & president, the Finding Our Roots African American Museum The LEgacy Wiletta Ferninand descendant of Jack Conrad who was killed in the Thibodaux Massacre Harambee […]
Curtis Moon
Nicholas Bernard staff writer Curtis Moon owned the Wizard’s Knight Club on Hollywood Boulevard in Houma, Louisiana. Family say he was a kind, loving family man and it was that compassion that led to his murder in 1998 at just 47. “He was the most caring, loving and giving person anyone would ever meet,” says […]
Jori Lirette
Abe Martin staff writer Seven-year-old Jori Lirette’s life was defined not by limitation, but by the people who loved him. Jori, who lived in Thibodaux, Louisiana, with his mother Jesslyn Kylene Lirette and father Jeremiah Lee Wright. He had cerebral palsy and required constant care. To those closest to him, he was more than his […]
Lester Rome
Emily Gramajo staff
Connie Gaudet
Rhiannon Callais features editor For Connie Gaudet’s family, the memories come easily: bike rides down the street, games played outside until dark and four sisters growing up side by side. Gaudet was murdered by her husband Dale in 1984 at 23 years old. Her sisters say it left a gap in their lives, one they […]
Barbara Jo Brown
Nicholas Bernard staff writer Even as law enforcement, some cases just change a person, says St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne. The murder of 11-year-old Barbara Jo “Bobbi” Brown in 1981 was one Champagne still calls the most brutal he has ever seen. “It opened my eyes to how there are real monsters out there,” […]
Murders on the Bayou
Rhiannon Callais features editor Murder always gets attention; always gets the headlines. In 2024, almost 20 million Americans listened to a true crime podcast in an average week, according to Edison Research. But coverage rarely explores the communities and people affected by these murders. This issue of Lost Bayou shifts the focus. Looking beyond the […]