Second man tied to deadly Memorial Day shooting that killed toddler, 2 others convicted

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - David Williams, aged 23, has been convicted on three counts of second-degree murder in connection with a tragic triple homicide that occurred during Memorial Day weekend in 2021. This incident claimed the lives of a one-year-old girl and two other individuals.

Williams' co-defendant, Ladarius Coleman, 19, was previously sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in the shooting, following his conviction in December 2024. The violent event transpired near the Fairway View Apartments on College Drive, shortly before 8 p.m. on Memorial Day.

Investigators report that Coleman and Williams entered the gated pool area of the apartment complex, where numerous people were gathered for the holiday. Coleman approached two males seated by the pool, which led to a brief struggle before multiple gunshots rang out, injuring the victims.

The shooting resulted in the deaths of Dwayne Dunn Jr., 16, and Reginald Thomas, 20, who were pronounced dead at the scene. Tragically, Ja'Tyri Brown, a one-year-old girl who was playing nearby with family members unrelated to the incident, was also struck by gunfire and later succumbed to her injuries at a hospital.

The convictions of both men highlight the severity of the crime and the devastating impact it had on the victims’ families and the community as a whole.