An investigation by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division has led to the arrest of a Natchitoches man in connection with the death of a Montgomery man and shooting of another.
Sheriff’s Detectives arrested Johnathan Rogers Jr., 21, of the 200 block of Independence Drive, Natchitoches, Wednesday, Dec. 26 at 8:15 p.m. and charged him with 1-count of Manslaughter in the shooting death of Michael R. Burks, and 1-count of Aggravated Second Degree Battery in the shooting of Marquise Holmes. The arrest was made after several hours of processing the crime scene, analyzing evidence, interviewing the suspect and witnesses and consulting with Natchitoches Parish District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington.
Rogers was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center where he remains without bond.
On Wednesday, Dec. 26 at 1:56 a.m., deputies responded to reports of shots fired in the 100 block of Cherie Loop in Payne Subdivision off La. Hwy 6 East in the Grand Ecore area.
Deputies discovered two males suffering from gunshot wounds, one deceased, and the other in serious condition lying in the yard of a residence.
Michael R. Burks, 22, of Montgomery, was pronounced dead at the scene by Nachitoches Parish Asst. Coroner Steven Clanton.
Marquise Holmes, 21, of Montgomery, was transported to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and later to Rapides Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.
The shooting was the result of an altercation which took place between the suspect, the deceased and the gunshot victim.
Sheriff Victor Jones said the investigation is continuing and other arrests are possible.
Involved in the investigation and arrest were detectives assigned to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division, NPSO Patrol Division, Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office and Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Jared Kilpatrick at 318.357.7830.