AMITE, La. — It took a Washington Parish jury less than one hour to render a guilty verdict on Elijah Jyquarius Nehemiah Williams related to the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Xykie Barker of Franklinton.
According to the Office of District Attorney Collin Sims, the 23-year-old suspect from Amite was found guilty on Friday of second-degree murder, aggravated burglary and three counts of theft of a firearm.
Williams was one of three suspects who admitted to being at the scene when the murder occurred on Aug. 21, 2021, but they denied any involvement with shooting the victim.
The other two, including 23-year-old Travon Washington from Amite, were tried before a jury in February of 2024 and found guilty on all charges. In April, he was sentenced by Judge Creel to life in prison.
On Dec. 9, 22-year-old Elisha Brown of Hammond pled guilty to manslaughter, aggravated burglary and three counts of theft of a firearm and Judge Creel sentenced him to 40 years in prison.
On Feb. 26, 25-year-old Deanna Johnson of Hammond, the ex-girlfriend of the victim, pled guilty to manslaughter and aggravated burglary. According to the DA's office, Johnson was the one who suggested the victim be the target and she lured him out of his residence the night of his murder so the three male defendants could ambush him.
Judge Creel sentenced Johnson to 50 years in prison.
Judge Creel has set sentencing for Williams on Jan. 15.
Second-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
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