Caddo Grand Jury Returns Five True Bills

The Caddo Parish Grand Jury returned five true bills in its session that ended July 18, 2024.

Four of the indictments concerned recent murders, while other charges involved weapons crimes and sexual assaults.

Shemika Draper Johnson, Michael Keith McKnight, Keelon Bernard Nelson and Lederrick Dewayne Gant all were indicted for second-degree murders, with McKnight facing two counts. Gant also was charged with illegal carrying of weapons and possession of a stolen firearm. Petyon Melsha was indicted on charges of first-degree rape and sexual battery.

Johnson, 40, faces a second-degree murder charge in connection with the April 7, 2024 knifing death of Zachery Johnson, 43, in the 9500 block of Rose Hollow Lane. The case is docket No. 403098.

McKnight, 27, faces two murder charges in connection with the April 19, 2024 slayings of his parents, Roderick and Kathleen McKnight, 64 and 62 respectively, at their home in Blanchard. The case is docket No. 401473.

Nelson, 44, is charged with murder in connection with the April 16, 2024 death of David Johnson, 43. The case is docket No. 401425.

Gant, 37 and from Shreveport, is charged in connection wit the April 9, 2024 slaying of his mother, Sharon Gant Gosey, 59. The gun charges in his case, docket Nos. 401265 and 403097, stem from his use of a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson pistol in the slaying.

Melsha, 30, of Keithville, was indicted on charges of first-degree rape and sexual battery and was incarcerated at Caddo Correctional Center April 10, 2024. No further information is available in connection with his case due to the nature of the charges involved.