Jerry Baker Jr.

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District Attorney Collin Sims announced that on July 9, 2025, a Washington Parish grand jury returned an indictment against 34-year-old Jerry Charles Baker, Jr. of Mount Hermon. Baker has been charged with second degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Ryan Simmons of Franklinton on January 2, 2025.

The shooting occurred in Bogalusa and led to a extensive investigation led by Sgt. Justin Blackwell of the Bogalusa Police Department. Assistant District Attorney Ronald Gracianette presented the case to the grand jury.

Following the investigation, officers with the Bogalusa Police Department arrested Baker on Thursday, March 27, 2025, on felony warrant charges of second degree murder, illegal use of weapons, and possession of weapons by a convicted felon. At the time of his arrest, Baker was also found in possession of a stolen firearm and legend drugs, leading to additional charges.