Three men from New Orleans have been convicted for their involvement in the 2017 double homicide at Edna Karr High School. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson disclosed that Terran Williams, also known as "Funky," Tyrone Bovia, also known as "Sixx," and Javonta Doleman, also known as "Dutt," were found guilty after a two-week jury trial presided over by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo. They faced charges including RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, firearms conspiracy, and Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering (VCAR) murder.
The three men were part of the Byrd Gang, known for its operations centered around the former Magnolia Housing Development and beyond, including drug distribution and firearm possession. The gang's activities extended to drug trafficking and violent crimes, with Williams, Bovia, and Doleman acting as gunmen.
The incident occurred on January 31, 2017, when Lawrence Williams, IV, and Wynston Jackson were shot following a basketball game at Edna Karr High School. Jackson was a member of a rival group, the Ghost Gang, and Williams was an associate. Upon learning of Jackson's presence at the school, Byrd Gang member Briyan Love alerted Terran Williams. Alongside Bovia and Doleman, the group confronted Williams and Jackson as they sat in a car, resulting in their deaths.
Bovia was also convicted for an additional shooting in May 2017 at Bernmas Apartments, targeting another Ghost Gang member. Byrd Gang member Terrence Augustine was killed in return fire during this incident, and James Alexander, another member, has pled guilty to this shooting.
Evidence presented during the trial highlighted a series of retaliatory shootings between the Byrd and Ghost Gangs, often sparked by social media, music, and videos, leading to multiple casualties on both sides and affecting innocent bystanders.
Federal authorities seized dozens of firearms, including several with large-capacity magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition during their investigation into the Byrd Gang.
The convicted individuals face a mandatory life sentence for the VCAR murders, with sentencing scheduled for July 30, 2025, in front of Judge Milazzo.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, particularly the New Orleans Gang Task Force, the New Orleans Police Department, and Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera, David Haller, and Sarah Dawkins for their contributions to the case.
This case aligns with Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program focused on reducing violent crime and improving community safety by fostering trust, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
