Brian McCallum
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Sports writer for Florida Today.
Articles by Brian McCallum
Caddo Coroner names dead in Shreveport homicide, self-inflicted gunshot wound
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Two men arrested in connection with downtown murder, third sought by Shreveport Police
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Michael Cooks waits on death row for sanity commission to determine execution eligibility Original
A death row inmate convicted in Caddo Parish who, according to court documents, told a girlfriend he "didn't go in to kill nobody," now awaits a determination whether he will, more than 30 years later, be eligible for execution. Louisiana State Penitentiary inmate Michael Cooks' sanity is under review by a court-appointed commission.
Shreveport woman accused, arrested on alleged connection to child rape investigation
Shreveport Police have arrested a woman believed to be connected to an investigation into long-ago sex crimes against a child. Lori Jean Jernigan, 54, was booked into the Caddo Correctional Center on suspicion of failure to report a felony. According to information from SPD, "the child reportedly reached out to loved ones for help, but those pleas were ignored." Her arrest followed another arrest connected to the investigation.
Victim named, Shreveport Police investigating fatal collision between E-bike and vehicle
Shreveport Police are investigating a collision between an E-bike and a van that claimed a life Wednesday in the Queensborough neighborhood. Inez Pryor, 39, was ejected from a bike on which she was a passenger around 7:45 a.m., according to the Caddo Coroner's Office. SPD officers found a man and woman "lying on the roadway with severe injuries" near a Chevrolet van they suspected may have been impacted by the bike.
Bar owner recounts downtown scene of Shreveport Police shooting of man, now identified
The man who was reportedly shot by a Shreveport Police officer who was intervening in a downtown Sunday confrontation was named by the Caddo Coroner's Office, and the bar owner who called police praised the responding officer. Timothy Terrell Christian Jr. of Baton Rouge, 27, was shot around 4:30 a.m. Sunday. He was pronounced dead at 5:54 a.m. after being taken to Ocshner LSU Health.
Mother takes witness stand in Shreveport murder trial for daughter found shot to death
After moving to Shreveport in April of 2022, Amaya Jacobs moved in a small circle of friends, according to her mom Amanda, from a toothless pit bull named Peanut Butter to someone called "Felix." Jacobs wanted to experience the area where her mom had grown up — Amanda was a Monroe native — and after the daughter moved to Louisiana, she called back to tell mom about the first time she saw Felix. "She saw him walking up and down the street in front of her house," Amanda recalled.
National Weather Service reports high wind, trees down around northwest Louisiana
Storms that featured plenty of rain and lightning brought not only electrical outages to northwest Louisiana late Monday and overnight; they knocked over trees and flooded areas that regularly experience standing water. According to data from the National Weather Service, a 63 mph wind gust was recorded at the Shreveport Regional Airport after 4 p.m. as the storm moved into town. Another, 65 mph, was recorded just before 5 p.m. in Princeton, north of Haughton. Damage to trees was widespread.
Stonewall man pleads guilty in fatal head-on collision on Highway 3132 in Shreveport
A man charged with vehicular homicide following a collision between his jeep and a pickup truck on August 2, 2025, entered a guilty plea Tuesday in Caddo District Court. Joshua Allen Cochran of Stonewall, now 31, has been in the Caddo Correctional Center since the week of the collision on Highway 3132 near the Interstate 49 overpass in Shreveport. Cochran will be sentenced Sept. 8 after an investigation by the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Another defendant from 2021 Tinseltown-area shooting spree in Shreveport sentenced
A fourth defendant arrested following a 2021 shooting spree in southeast Shreveport has been sentenced after entering a guilty plea. Rodney Lewis was sentenced in June to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit second-degree murder in connection with an incident that ended at the intersection of E. Bert Kouns Industrial Loop and Youree Drive on Sept. 4, 2021.
Teen arrested in connection with alleged shot fired at Caddo Sheriff's deputy: CPSO
A teen accused of allegedly firing a rifle at a Caddo Sheriff's Office deputy early Wednesday has been arrested. Daraylan Ray, 18, was taken into custody shortly after 4:30 p.m. at a business in west Shreveport, according to information from CPSO. That was about 16 1/2 hours after, CPSO says, a shot was fired at a deputy following a traffic stop along Colquitt Road.
Shreveport, Caddo, Bossier share July 4th fireworks guidelines. Here's what you should know.
Northwest Louisiana public safety agencies are reminding residents of restrictions and good practices for using fireworks to celebrate Independence Day during the week of July Fourth. Fireworks are permitted beginning Wednesday — 10 a.m. in Bossier City or noon in Shreveport and Caddo Parish — until 10 p.m. Sunday, except for restricted hours. Igniting, discharging or exploding fireworks from 10 p.m. until 8 a.m. is illegal in Shreveport, Caddo and Bossier City.
Manhunt underway for man accused of shooting at Caddo deputy overnight
The Caddo Sheriff's Office is searching for a man who is said to have shot at a deputy early Wednesday in south Shreveport. Minutes after midnight, a patrol deputy initiated a traffic stop in the 3000 block of Colquitt Road, near the intersection with Mansfield Road. According to information from CPSO, a man pulled into an apartment complex and quickly exited a dark four-door sedan. While running away, CPSO said he turned and fired a shot that missed the deputy but struck his vehicle.
Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate's Roy Lang wins LSWA sports writer of the year
In the eyes of Roy Lang III, sports editor for the Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate, area sports in 2025 was a story of redemption and resilience. In the eyes of the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, it's a story nobody told better than Lang. Lang was named the LSWA Sports Writer of the Year for all classifications during the organization's annual convention that occurred Sunday, this year in Natchitoches. It was the second such award for him, as he won it in 2012.
DeSoto police officer arrested on battery, assault allegations following investigation
Louisiana State Police arrested a police officer Friday following a criminal investigation that began earlier this year. Curtis Jones, 58 and a Mansfield police officer, faces charges of malfeasance in office, simple battery and simple assault. He turned himself in and was booked at the DeSoto Parish Detention Center as the investigation continues.
'Minor train derailment' in northern part of Caddo Parish, blocks Main Street in Oil City
The Caddo Sheriff's Office reported what it termed "a minor train derailment" early Monday in the northern part of the parish. A deputy discovered the derailment just before 6:15 a.m. near Highway 1 in Oil City. A train is blocking Main Street in the town. According to information from CPSO, officials from CPKC Railroad confirmed three train cars derailed but that no hazardous materials were involved. The railroad company is investigating the cause.
'There's something wrong; it's just not mental illness': Local expert addresses domestic violence
As Shreveport confronts a rash of domestic violence incidents and tries to find avenues of prevention, a mental health expert has taken the initiative to focus the issue, including identifying what domestic violence is not. Kesha Simmons works with victims of domestic violence in her role as a licensed professional counselor and LSU-Shreveport psychology instructor, and she has heard members of the public put the blame on mental illness. That, said Simmons, is incorrect.
Shreveport Police release man arrested in connection with Cedar Grove shooting investigation
A man previously in jail in connection with the investigation into a June 18 murder in Cedar Grovehas been released by police as the continuing investigation indicated that "another individual is suspected of firing the shots that killed the victim," according to a Friday news release by Shreveport Police. Tyrone Thomas, 56, was originally taken into custody during the investigation of the shooting death of Breon Brown, 18, near The Pines apartments in the 8000 block of Line Avenue.
Man believed 'armed and dangerous' sought after Caddo Heights homicide: Shreveport Police
Shreveport Police detectives are seeking a suspect described as "armed and dangerous" in connection with a homicide Wednesday afternoon in the Caddo Heights neighborhood. Jamarcus Harris, 18, is sought following a murder in the 4000 block of Union Avenue, less than a mile south of the Caddo Parish School Board office. SPD officers responded after 3 p.m. to a shooting call and found a man with multiple gunshot wounds. He died after being taken to Ochsner LSU Health.
Deceased Shreveport jail inmate was former Greenwood police chief arrested two weeks ago
An inmate at the Caddo Correctional Center who died Tuesday was the former police chief of Greenwood who had been arrested June 12. Glen Mazier, 75, was in custody at CCC facing charges of first-degree rape and sexual battery was identified by the Caddo Parish coroner.
Shreveport woman accused of helping file $51M in false claims for unneeded medical tests
A Shreveport woman has been arrested as part of a national health care fraud investigation, indicted in a case involving Medicare, Medicaid and other benefits programs. Holly Broussard, 44, faces a charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. The claim is that she submitted for reimbursement more than $51.7 million for a Louisiana diagnostic lab, which received more than $28.4 million.
Caddo Correctional Center inmate death under investigation in Shreveport
An inmate at the Caddo Correctional Center was found unresponsive in his cell and later declared dead, according to the Caddo Sheriff's Office. Currently, there is no suspicion of foul play. The inmate, who won't be named until after family notification, returned to his cell after scheduled morning recreation and was found less than 90 minutes later, at 10:18 a.m. Deputies delivering a meal were told by a cellmate he had unsuccessfully attempted to wake the man.
Louisiana State Police searching for suspect in hit-and-run incident in Bossier Parish
Louisiana State Police investigators are searching for someone involved in a hit-and-run driving incident that caused a man's death late Saturday. According to the agency, Jerry Vest Jr. of Mooringsport was walking south in the left lane of Highway 3, about four miles north of Interstate 220. He was struck from behind at approximately 10:30 p.m., but the driver did not report the collision. Troopers suspect Vest was impaired and are searching for the party involved.
Judge denies latest appeal of Caddo man on death row. His attorneys claim new evidence.
Caddo District Judge Donald Hathaway Jr. has denied the post-conviction appeal of Marcus Reed, convicted of the 2010 shooting deaths of three brothers in a rural part of the parish. Reed's defense team will now appeal to the Louisiana Supreme Court, on matters including a claim of ineffective counsel for the defendant and evidence of other shooters involved in the crime.
Shreveport Police detectives arrest man following Cedar Grove homicide investigation
Shreveport Police detectives made an arrest in a homicide investigation focused in the Cedar Grove neighborhood. Tyrone Thomas was arrested in connection with the investigation and faces a charge of second-degree murder after the investigation by SPD detectives. Responding to a 9:11 a.m. Thursday call, officers found a young male victim dead near the vacant Pines apartments in the 8000 block of Line Avenue. He had been shot, according to Shreveport Police information.
Shreveport man convicted on federal child porn charges, allegedly had thousands of files
A Shreveport man has been sentenced to two decades in prison following his conviction on possession of child pornography and receipt of child pornography. Morgan J. Moore , 36, received a sentence of 20 years, followed by 10 years of supervised release. The FBI and the Caddo Sheriff's Office investigated the case after a tip to CPSO via the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Shreveport man indicted on first-degree rape of juvenile, faces life prison sentence
A Caddo Parish grand jury issued one indictment Tuesday from its latest session in Shreveport. Jonathan Wesley Rachal, 38 of Shreveport, was indicted on a charge of first-degree rape and two counts of molestation of a juvenile less than 13 years old. He is incarcerated at the Caddo Correctional Center on a $1.5 million bond. The offenses are alleged to have happened from 2011 to 2016. He will be arraigned Jun. 29 at the Caddo Parish Courthouse.
Flooded homes, trapped inside, stranded cars: Shreveport recovers from flash flooding Monday
When heavy rains struck Shreveport mid-day Monday, first responders spread out rescuing stranded motorists, including in several spots along Youree Drive. Christie Waldrop, who lives in the 300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in the Broadmoor neighborhood that straddles Youree, saw that and more in front of her house. "My husband and I looked out our window and saw our trash can floating down Pennsylvania," she said.
First responders make rescues from submerged vehicles as heavy rainfall floods area roadways
Shreveport law enforcement officials and the fire department have made stops to assist motorists in the Shreveport-Bossier area this afternoon, with multiple roads being flooded. According to a report from the National Weather Service, first responders have rescued an adult and a child from a partially submerged vehicle. Another vehicle is reportedly completely under water.
Louisiana State Police identify 2 killed in single-vehicle truck crash in DeSoto Parish
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Former police chief arrested after Caddo Sheriff investigation into sexual misconduct
A former police chief was arrested Friday by the Caddo Sheriff's Office following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. Glen Mazier, 75, of the 7500 block of Moncrief Lane and the former police chief for Greenwood, was booked on charges of two counts of first-degree rape and five counts of sexual battery. CPSO investigators and experts from the Gingerbread House Children's Advocacy Center in Shreveport worked on the investigation.
Inside a parole hearing: Audy Keith hopes for early release from sentence in 1996 Caddo shooting
When Russ Rowland walked up to the door of the trailer he rented to Danny Irish in December of 1996, it was because he had gotten a message that the 18-year-old had the two months' worth of rent he owed. He didn't expect what he got when the trailer door opened, which — according to law enforcement and affirmed by a jury — was a shotgun blast to the torso from Audy Wayne Keith, then 16 and a new friend of Irish.
Caddo inmate from Stonewall gets arrested on rape charge while in Shreveport jail
A Stonewall man arrested on a first-degree rape charge and accused of leaving the boy, age 6, near death at a residence in Keithville, now has another rape charge as an inmate. Lucas Logan, 32, was charged with second-degree rape on May 1 while incarcerated at Caddo Correctional Center, where he's been more than 10 months. He was booked there after being arrested Aug. 2, 2025, following a response by Caddo Sheriff's Office deputies to Farmridge Road in the Keithville area for a sexual assault call.
Caddo prosecutor: Not 'just a normal day...the day Koryeon Vance killed Malik Henderson'
Defendant Koryeon Vance took the stand in a Caddo Parish courtroom Wednesday, the final witness in his second-degree murder trial. He offered a timeline that differed from those of other witnesses and the prosecution's in the death of Malik Henderson, shot late Nov. 6, 2023, or early the next morning. Henderson, 27, was found in his black Nissan hatchback with a bullet in the back of his head, already dead, in the Mooretown neighborhood of Shreveport.
Attorneys question if potential jurors dismissed on racial basis in Shreveport murder trial
Before a murder trail began Tuesday morning at the Caddo Parish Courthouse, the defense attorney challenged the jury selection process on grounds of potential racial bias, and his tactic took a turn. Defendant Koryeon Vance was charged with the Nov. 7, 2023, second-degree murder of Malik Henderson, 27. Vance, 18 at the time, allegedly had communicated with Henderson about buying marijuana and then giving Henderson the address for a meeting place a block from his house.
Louisiana legislature passes bill to improve Caddo Parish District Attorney office staffing
A bill passed overwhelmingly by Louisiana legislators and sent to Gov. Jeff Landry for his signature is intended to add staffing to district attorney offices, including in Caddo Parish and DeSoto. House Bill 719 passed Sunday by a 75-18 margin, having already been approved Thursday by the Senate, 30-6. It includes funding equivalent to salaries for four additional assistant district attorneys in Caddo and one for DeSoto.
2 Shreveport women accused of Medicaid, SNAP fraud of more than $150,000
The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation has arrested one and is searching for another Shreveport woman suspected of Medicaid and SNAP fraud amounting to more than $150,000. Tanesha Bowman, 39 of Shreveport, was arrested Wednesday and faces eight counts of government benefits fraud along with seven counts of unauthorized use of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, according to the office of Attorney General Liz Murrill.
Caddo coroner names 70-year-old pedestrian struck, killed by train in Vivian area
The Caddo Coroner's Office has named the man struck and killed by a train Monday afternoon near North Caddo High School in Vivian. Coty Hill, 70, was pronounced dead at the scene by responders from Caddo Fire District 8 around 4:20 p.m. near the intersection of S. Pine Street and Camp Road. According to information from the coroner, Hill was hit when he tried to cross the tracks. The Caddo Sheriff's Office aided Vivian Police officers and is investigating the incident.
Historic marker for Union soldier coming to Shreveport cemetery on Memorial Day
A Memorial Day ceremony in Shreveport will include the unveiling of a marker for a Union Army soldier buried at Forest Park East Ceremony on St. Vincent Avenue. Samuel R. Arbuthnot died May 30, 1920, at the age of 72, having served in the 34th and 36th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, according to historian John Prime. Arbuthnot and his family moved to Caddo, eventually settling in Belcher.
Historic marker for Union soldier coming to Shreveport cemetery on Memorial Day
The marker, to be unveiled at 2 p.m. Monday, will be the first of its kind in the cemetery, where at least two other Union soldiers are buried, along with a number of Confederate veterans. The marker will be in Garden B, and the public is invited to the ceremony. Information from Prime is that cemetery staff requested a marker from the Department of Veteran Affairs when it was discovered there wasn't one. The Brig. Gen.
Booker T. Washington High in Shreveport lockdown with large Caddo Sheriff presence lifted Original
A lockdown at Booker T. Washington High School in Shreveport has been lifted. There were more than 20 Caddo Sheriff's Office units at the location on Milam Street. Around 2:30 p.m., Caddo Schools spokeswoman Mary Nash-Wood said BTW was on lockdown after police received a call indicating someone with weapons intended to go to the campus. Nash-Wood said the school is on lockdown while police patrol the area and conduct their investigation. It is the final day of the semester for Caddo Schools.
Shreveport woman shot in head, man dies of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police say
A woman is in critical condition in Shreveport and a man is believed to have died from a self-inflicted wound after fleeing to Bossier City. Shreveport Police officers responded to the 9900 block of Kingston Road in Southern Hills around 5 a.m. Thursday for an emergency call about a shooting and found a woman with a gunshot to the head. She was transported to a hospital.
Shreveport grandmother of Queensborough children killed by house fire, 3 others indicted
A Caddo Parish grand jury issued indictments this week for the grandmother of two children who died following a Queensborough house fire in October 2025. Rita Ann Spearman Montgomery, 51, faces a charge of second-degree murder for the deaths of her granddaughters, Aaliyah Robinson, 8, and Danielle Spearman, 5. Both were hospitalized after the fire in the 3100 block of Milton Street and died the following week.
Shreveport firefighters battle fire at closed water park along Interstate 20
The Shreveport Fire Department is investigating the cause of a fire at the closed water park along Interstate 20 in the Greenwood area. Firefighters responded to Wonder Oasis Waterpark at 4 a.m. Thursday morning in the 7600 block of W. 70th Street. A building that was used as an employee break room was "fully involved in fire," according to SFD. Two dozen firefighters from 11 units brought the blaze under control in less than half an hour, and no injuries were reported.
1 killed after dispute between 2 men results in shooting, Shreveport Police investigating
Shreveport Police are investigating a shooting in Queensborough that resulted in a death following a dispute between two men. Detectives have not determined if the survivor will be charged with a crime for his part in the incident around 2 p.m. Wednesday in the 3600 block of Greenbriar Drive. According to information from SPD, both men involved in a confrontation at a woman's home had guns, and one fired a shot into the other's chest. The victim was taken to a hospital but did not survive.
Louisiana bills to add staffing for Caddo district attorney threatened by Gov. Landry post
An election that failed to produce pay raises for teachers may have derailed plans for more funding and potentially more bodies for the Caddo District Attorney's Office. Gov. Jeff Landy posted a comment on social media Monday that "if our teachers don't get a permanent raise this year, nobody in state government gets a pay raise.” It followed the defeat of a state constitutional amendment intended to lead to higher teacher salaries.
Shreveport firefighters battle fire at closed water park along Interstate 20
Two dozen firefighters from 11 units brought the blaze under control in less than half an hour, and no injuries were reported. After operating for two seasons in Shreveport, the owner of Wonder Oasis Waterpark announced that the park will close immediately because of financial strain. Wonder Oasis Waterpark, formerly known as Watertown and Splash Kingdom, has been owned by Lee Hovis since March 1, 2024. Hovis announced the closure on the website and social media in February.
Louisiana bills to add staffing for Caddo district attorney threatened by Gov. Landry post
An election that failed to produce pay raises for teachers may have derailed plans for more funding and potentially more bodies for the Caddo District Attorney's Office. Gov. Jeff Landy posted a comment on social media Monday that "if our teachers don't get a permanent raise this year, nobody in state government gets a pay raise.” It followed the defeat of a state constitutional amendment intended to lead to higher teacher salaries.
Shreveport woman shot in head, man dies of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police say
SPD information is that the shooter left before officers arrived and went to Bossier City, where he was encountered by BCPD officers in a parking lot near the intersection of Benton Road and Broadway Drive. According to the BCPD spokesperson, officers instructed him to get out of the car, and when he didn't, they approached and found him with what was believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
1 killed after dispute between 2 men results in shooting, Shreveport Police investigating
According to information from SPD, both men involved in a confrontation at a woman's home had guns, and one fired a shot into the other's chest. The victim was taken to a hospital but did not survive. The shooter is in police custody while violent crimes investigators continue their work.
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