Tagged News

• Man found guilty of 2021 murder at the OYO Motel sentenced to life in prison

  January 23, 2026 12:03 PM

  DONALDSONVILLE — A man found guilty of a 2021 murder at the OYO Motel on La. 70 was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday. An Ascension Parish jury found 37-year-old Marty Leonard of Pierre Part guilty of second-degree murder and aggravated criminal damage to property in July for... more »

• Man arrested for extortion after allegedly shattering woman's car window

  January 23, 2026 10:04 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Baton Rouge Police arrested a man for extortion following a physical altercation that left a woman's car window shattered. According to arrest records, officers made contact with a woman on North Foster Drive on July 31 after receiving a report of a physical altercation. The... more »

• Baton Rouge Fire Department arrests man for arson in connection with vacant apartment fire

  January 23, 2026 9:20 AM

  BATON ROUGE — The Baton Rouge Fire Department arrested a man for arson on Thursday in connection with a vacant apartment fire. According to investigators, 58-year-old Jimmy Lilly allegedly admitted to using candles inside a vacant apartment on Jan. 4, when the fire occurred. Lilly allegedly told investigators... more »

• EBR Coroner's Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program marks 10 years of helping victims Play Video

  January 22, 2026 5:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The East Baton Rouge Coroner's Office marked 10 years of its Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program on Thursday, saying it has helped thousands of victims over the last decade. Nearly 3,000 medical exams have been performed using the program since January 2016. District Attorney Hillar Moore... more »

• West Baton Rouge Parish President Jason Manola talks construction at 'State of the Parish' address Play Video

  January 21, 2026 8:03 PM

  PORT ALLEN — West Baton Rouge Parish President Jason Manola stressed the importance of ongoing construction products in his "State of the Parish" address on Wednesday. "We have the La. 1-415 connector, which is one of our big projects here, of course, we've got the Intracoastal Canal current bridge... more »

• Capital Area United Way celebrates renovations to historic building with rededication ceremony Play Video

  January 21, 2026 6:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Local nonprofit Capital Area United Way celebrated recently completed renovations to its historic building with a rededication ceremony on Wednesday. The building, just off Laurel Street, was built in 1939 and was originally the Baton Rouge Library. Capital Area United Way took over the building in... more »

• EXCLUSIVE: WBRZ Investigative Unit with new arrest documents in CATS' fraud investigation Play Video

  January 21, 2026 3:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Two more people were indicted as part of an investigation into theft and criminal conspiracy at the Capital Area Transportation System. Terral "TJ" Jackson Jr. and Erica Jackson were both added to an earlier indictment on a count of theft of $25,000 or more and conspiracy... more »

• Rapper NBA YoungBoy says there is only one Baton Rouge venue where he would perform Play Video

  January 20, 2026 6:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Baton Rouge rapper NBA YoungBoy would only perform in Baton Rouge if he could do it at one venue in particular, he said in an interview with Complex published Tuesday. On the heels of his Make America Slime Again tour that included two sell-out shows in... more »

• King Cake Drive-Thru headed back to Baton Rouge, bringing New Orleans king cakes to capital city Play Video

  January 20, 2026 2:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The popular King Cake Drive-Thru is headed back to Baton Rouge, bringing popular New Orleans king cakes to the capital city. On Saturday, Jan. 31, Baton Rouge residents will have a chance to get their hands on Mardi Gras treats from bakeries all over New Orleans,... more »

• Baton Rouge woman celebrates 110th birthday Play Video

  January 19, 2026 8:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A Baton Rouge woman celebrated her 110th birthday on Monday. Mildred Bowie grew up in New Orleans but moved to Baton Rouge in her adulthood. She taught English for 36 years, but after 110 years in South Louisiana, has another lesson to share. "My advice,... more »

• Man arrested for allegedly impersonating a police officer while attempting to steal from Walmart Play Video

  January 19, 2026 11:53 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Baton Rouge Police arrested a man on Sunday for claiming to be an undercover officer while attempting to steal from a Neighborhood Walmart on Old Hammond Highway. According to arrest records, 40-year-old Byron Owens was confronted by a Walmart employee while allegedly attempting to steal. Once... more »

• Louisiana Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Foundation opens Inspiration Center at Howell Park Play Video

  January 19, 2026 11:09 AM

  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Foundation officially unveiled a new youth and family service center at Howell Park on Monday. The community investment initiative named the Inspiration Center offers critical services and resources for disinvested communities in an effort to decrease violent crime, expand... more »

• One injured in stabbing on Iberville Street, officials say Play Video

  January 18, 2026 7:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Authorities are investigating a Sunday night stabbing on Iberville Street. The stabbing occurred around 5:50 p.m., leaving one person injured. The victim was transported to a local hospital. Officials are currently on the scene. more »

• Three injured following overnight shooting on Florida Boulevard Play Video

  January 18, 2026 5:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Three people were injured in an overnight shooting on Florida Boulevard on Sunday. According to officials, the shooting occurred around 3:40 a.m., leaving two people on the scene injured. The two victims were transported to a local hospital, with one in serious condition. Officials... more »

• Two injured following two separate shootings on Florida Boulevard and Scenic Highway Play Video

  January 17, 2026 2:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Two people were injured in two separate shootings on Saturday afternoon, according to authorities. The shootings occurred around 12:30 p.m., leaving one person injured near an Advanced Auto Parts on Scenic Highway, with another person being injured at a separate shooting near a Smoothie King on... more »

• Baton Rouge residents protest ICE following shootings in Minnesota Play Video

  January 17, 2026 2:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE — More than a week after the fatal shooting of a woman by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota, protests are growing across the country, including in Baton Rouge. On Saturday, residents and community groups gathered in front of Ideal Market on Sherwood Forest Boulevard... more »

• The Walls Project's annual MLK Fest transforms community spaces in Baton Rouge Play Video

  January 17, 2026 1:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Walls Project hosted its annual MLK Fest in Baton Rouge on Saturday, transforming remembrance into momentum by remodeling community spaces. The Walls Project is a national organization that revitalizes underused spaces in communities through volunteering, cleanups, and public art. Beginning in 2015, the project... more »

• $50 million development in North Baton Rouge to bring new grocery store alongside other businesses Play Video

  January 17, 2026 12:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A $50 million investment in North Baton Rouge is scheduled to begin development on Monday as the area receives a new grocery store along with additional retail development by Harvest Fresh. The project, named The BLVD at Harding, will be located within Howell Place off Harding... more »

• I-10 West reopens near Whiskey Bay following Friday night 18-wheeler fire Play Video

  January 17, 2026 10:45 AM

  BUTTE LA ROSE — I-10 West before Whiskey Bay reopened Saturday morning following an 18-wheeler fire that occurred Friday night. Cleanup crews and state troopers remain on the scene of the crash that closed the interstate near milepost 131 on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. According to the Louisiana... more »

• Man arrested by East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office after surveillance leads to drug bust

  January 16, 2026 6:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A man was arrested on drug charges by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office's Gang Intelligence and Enforcement Unit on Friday following a traffic stop. According to deputies, the sheriff's office received information about narcotics activity and a possible stolen vehicle at a residence on Springwood... more »

• BRPD: 1 dead in Thursday shooting off Scenic Highway

  January 16, 2026 2:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE — One person was killed in a shooting off Scenic Highway on Thursday afternoon, the Baton Rouge Police Department said Friday. Police said Terrance London, 26, was shot on Shada Avenue near Scenic Highway just before 4 p.m. London was taken to a hospital, where he later... more »

• CATS indictments stemmed from federal investigation, new documents show Play Video

  January 16, 2026 2:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The arrest of the former chief administrative officer of the Capital Area Transit System came after federal agents began looking into bribery allegations, according to newly obtained court documents. Pearlina Thomas, CATS' former CAO, was indicted for criminal conspiracy, theft over $25,000, prohibited use of public... more »

• Baton Rouge songwriter awarded full ownership of hit song by U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

  January 16, 2026 1:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A ruling by the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals transferring ownership of a song back to a Baton Rouge songwriter on Monday could potentially change the way music companies transfer intellectual property back to songwriters, according to a report by The Advocate . Songwriter and... more »

• Assumption deputies arrest 2 during traffic stop for allegedly having 424 'CBD vape juice' bottles Play Video

  January 16, 2026 1:24 PM

  PAINCOURTVILLE — Assumption Parish deputies arrested two people during a traffic stop for allegedly having more than 400 bottles of "CBD vape juice," the Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office said Friday. According to APSO, a deputy stopped 19-year-old Andrew Savoy, of Port Allen, for alleged traffic violations along La. 1... more »

• Rep. Cleo Fields visits East Baton Rouge Parish schools as part of 'Congressman to Classroom' initiative

  January 16, 2026 11:48 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Rep. Cleo Fields visited three East Baton Rouge Parish School District campuses on Friday to kick off his Congress to the Classroom initiative. The initiative, seeing Fields visit 52 schools ranging from kindergarten to college across Louisiana's Sixth Congressional District over the course of the year,... more »

• BREC announces 10% of employees will be let go as it works toward 'more efficient organization' Play Video

  January 16, 2026 11:12 AM

  BATON ROUGE — BREC announced on Friday that 10% of its workforce would be losing their jobs as it works towards becoming a "more efficient organization." According to BREC, the initiative is designed to ensure taxpayer dollars are utilized in the most effective way possible. Following a review... more »

• East Baton Rouge Parish students participate in second annual Young Techie and Gifted Expo Play Video

  January 16, 2026 10:44 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Students across East Baton Rouge Parish gathered at the second annual Young Techie and Gifted Expo on Friday. The annual event, hosted by the Instructional Technology Department, showcased student-led projects from elementary, middle and high school students covering several categories, including technology and engineering, computer science,... more »

• LSU men's basketball loses heartbreaker to Kentucky, remains winless in SEC play Play Video

  January 14, 2026 8:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The LSU men's basketball team lost a heartbreaker against Kentucky on Wednesday night to remain winless in SEC play. The Tigers fell to the Wildcats 75-74 on a Malachi Moreno buzzer beating shot to shock the Maravich Center. Kentucky was down by as much as 18... more »

• Verizon customers across the country reporting cell service outages Play Video

  January 14, 2026 12:56 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Verizon customers across the country reported cell service outages on Wednesday morning. Nearly 200,000 people had reported issues on DownDetector as of around noon. The website's map shows issues being reported in major cities like Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle, with hotspots... more »

• East Baton Rouge deputies arrest man for murder in Christmas Day shooting in Greenwell Springs Play Video

  January 13, 2026 4:44 PM

  GREENWELL SPRINGS — Deputies arrested a man for murder in connection with a fatal Christmas Day shooting. According to an East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office arrest affidavit, Dorien Johnson allegedly shot and killed a man at an apartment complex along Morgan Road on Dec. 25, 2025. Documents say... more »

• WBRZ Investigative Unit: Accused serial 'sextortionist' wanted on new charges Play Video

  January 12, 2026 6:41 PM

  UPDATE: Since the airing of this report, Jauan Wright was arrested a fourth time. Eight victims have come forward and his charges now include rape. Click here to read the latest from the WBRZ Investigative Unit. Read the original story below: -------------------------- BATON ROUGE - After... more »

• Baton Rouge Fire Department responds to apartment fire on Pampas Street Play Video

  January 12, 2026 3:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Baton Rouge Fire Department responded to a Monday morning apartment fire on Pampas Street. According to the department, fire crews arrived around 11 a.m. to find smoke coming from a second-floor apartment unit where they located a fire in a bedroom. While firefighters were... more »

• Rock the Country announces 2026 lineup, will not include stop in Louisiana for first time Play Video

  January 12, 2026 2:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Rock the Country Festival announced its lineup on Monday, with the festival visiting eight different cities; however, Louisiana will not be included for the first time since the nationwide tour began. The festival had previously stopped in Louisiana for three consecutive years, with shows taking... more »

• Rouses Markets opens new location in Central along Joor Road Play Video

  January 12, 2026 10:29 AM

  CENTRAL — Rouses Markets opened its new store location in Central on Monday, following the company's acquisition of 10 Winn-Dixie stores in Louisiana and Mississippi back in November . The new Rouses location at 10974 Joor Road opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by President and CEO Donny Rouse,... more »

• Police investigating fatal shooting on Convention Street Play Video

  January 11, 2026 3:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Homicide detectives with the Baton Rouge Police Department are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Convention Street Saturday night. According to the department, officers arrived around 11:10 p.m. to find Gregory Lee, 31, on the front porch of a home suffering from a gunshot wound.... more »

• 17-year-old killed in Saturday night shooting on Wood Street, BRPD says Play Video

  January 11, 2026 2:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Detectives with the Baton Rouge Police Department are investigating a Saturday night shooting on Wood Street that left a 17-year-old dead and another person injured. According to the department, police arrived around 5 p.m. to find E'myrie Walker, 17, suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers said... more »

• Man arrested in connection to trafficking of 15-year-old girl in Baton Rouge Play Video

  January 11, 2026 11:41 AM

  BATON ROUGE — A man arrested in connection with the trafficking of a 15-year-old girl in Baton Rouge was arrested in New Orleans on Thursday, according to authorities. The New Orleans Police Department, along with multiple local and federal law enforcement agencies, arrested four suspects as part of an... more »

• One in critical condition following shooting near Prescott Road Play Video

  January 10, 2026 2:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Authorities responded to a shooting near the intersection of West Brookstown Drive and Heidel Avenue off Prescott Road on Saturday afternoon. According to emergency responders, the shooting occurred around 1:20 p.m., leaving one victim in critical condition. The victim was transported to a local hospital. more »

• BRPD investigates two separate Friday night shootings with a third occurring early Saturday morning Play Video

  January 10, 2026 1:05 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Baton Rouge Police are investigating two separate shootings that occurred Friday night, with another occurring early Saturday morning. According to officers, the first shooting took place around 7 p.m. on Friday on North 44 Street when a man was shot multiple times before later being transported... more »

• BRPD: 16-year-old killed, one arrested in accidental shooting on Ozark Street Play Video

  January 9, 2026 5:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A 16-year-old was killed and a 24-year-old was arrested in an accidental shooting on Thursday night, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department. Jerry Smith, 24, is accused of accidentally shooting and killing 16-year-old Charleston Wright on Ozark Street near Delaware Street around 9:35 p.m. ... more »

• Multiple fire departments respond to morning house fire in Slaughter Play Video

  January 9, 2026 1:00 PM

  SLAUGHTER — Multiple fire departments from East Feliciana and East Baton Rouge parishes responded to a house fire along Highway 412 in Slaughter on Friday morning. According to fire officials, the fire occurred around 9 a.m., causing significant damage to the home. While the home was considered a... more »

• President Donald Trump cancels second wave of attacks on Venezuela following release of political prisoners Play Video

  January 9, 2026 12:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE — President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he cancelled a second wave of attacks on Venezuela, following the nation's release of political prisoners as a sign of "Seeking Peace." According to a social media post by the president, the U.S. and Venezuela are working together to... more »

• Honduran national sentenced to 15 years in prison for child pornography Play Video

  January 8, 2026 1:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A Honduran citizen living in the U.S. without authorization was sentenced to 15 years in prison for possessing and distributing child pornography, the Department of Justice said Thursday. Olvin Rodriguez-Inestroza, 23, was convicted of using the internet and social media accounts to receive and distribute child... more »

• Baton Rouge billboard offers $5k reward for information about missing Zachary woman's whereabouts Play Video

  January 7, 2026 7:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A billboard in Baton Rouge offers a $5,000 reward for information on the whereabouts of a Zachary woman who has been missing since 2023. Madison Renae Allen's mother said she last heard from her daughter on Nov. 29, 2023. She said police have gotten conflicting stories... more »

• Local bar closing Perkins Road location, but hints at possible return in social media post Play Video

  January 7, 2026 4:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Uncle Earl's on Perkins Road bid farewell to Baton Rouge on social media Wednesday, but maybe not permanently. According to a post on Uncle Earl's Instagram page, a new business will open at 3753 Perkins Rd. on Jan. 15. The bar's current owners bought it... more »

• Boosie asks to avoid prison time in federal gun case, report says Play Video

  January 7, 2026 2:46 PM

  SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Baton Rouge rapper Boosie has asked a federal judge in California to sentence him to probation and community service, rather than prison time, in his federal gun case, according to Complex. Boosie, whose real name is Torrence Hatch, was arrested in San Diego in 2023... more »

• Two people injured in shooting on Ozark Street, Scenic Highway Play Video

  January 5, 2026 11:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Two people were injured in a shooting on Ozark Street and Scenic Highway on Monday night, emergency officials told WBRZ. The call came in around 10:07 p.m. and officials said two people were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. No other information was immediately... more »

• TEAM 2 TRAFFIC: I-10 West at Bonnet Carre Spillway closed due to truck fire

  January 5, 2026 7:25 PM

  ST. CHARLES PARISH - I-10 West is closed on the Bonnet Carre Spillway Bridge due to a vehicle fire, traffic officials said. Congestion is approaching five miles. Drivers in the area should expect delays. more »

• Man arrested in connection with fatal December shooting in Baton Rouge Play Video

  January 5, 2026 6:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A man was arrested in connection with a fatal December shooting, according to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office. According to arrest records, deputies responded to East Glen Court on Dec. 9 after a man was found shot in the head near a shed he was... more »

• Councilman Darryl Hurst hosts 3rd Annual Back-to-School Haircuts and Styles event for local youth Play Video

  January 4, 2026 6:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Metropolitan Councilman Darryl Hurst hosted the Third Annual Back-to-School Haircuts and Styles event for youth in the area on Sunday. The free community event at the Charles R. Kelly Community Center aimed to help students prepare for the upcoming school semester by providing free haircuts and... more »

• Kafe Kreyol-la celebrates French and Creole cultures Play Video

  January 3, 2026 7:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The West Baton Rouge Museum hosted its Kafé Kréyol-la event on Saturday, celebrating French and Creole cultures. The event, taking place every first Saturday of the month, allowed guests to learn fun facts about the Creole language and culture. Elizaveta Barrett Ristroph said there should... more »

• Baton Rouge Fire Department responds to house fire on Huron Street Play Video

  January 3, 2026 10:24 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Fire Department responded to a Friday night house fire on Huron Street. According to officials, fire crews arrived around 7:20 p.m. to find flames coming from a side window of the home. Crews entered the residence and located a heavy fire originating from... more »

• BRPD: Two injured in shooting on Annette Street after potential armed robbery Play Video

  January 2, 2026 3:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Baton Rouge Police Department responded to a shooting on Friday that left two people injured. According to officers, the shooting took place on Annette Street around 1:12 p.m. BRPD said one person was on the scene suffering from gunshot wounds, while another victim went to... more »

• WBRZ Investigative Unit: BRPD officer on leave, arrested, after groping at convenience store caught on tape Play Video

  December 31, 2025 1:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A Baton Rouge Police Department officer has been arrested and accused of misdemeanor sexual battery after appearing to grope a gas station employee in an incident captured on video, the WBRZ Investigative Unit has learned. Stefan Jones was arrested Tuesday and also placed on leave pending... more »

• LSU K9 retires after 11 years of service Play Video

  December 29, 2025 6:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE — After 11 years of service, Laika the K9 is officially retiring, according to the LSU Police Department. Laika served the LSU community alongside her handler, Lt. Shows. Together, the team completed more than 300 sweeps, responded to bomb threats on and off LSU's campus and supported... more »

• 1 injured in shooting near the intersection of North 18th Street and Gayosa Street Play Video

  December 29, 2025 4:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Authorities responded to a shooting on Monday afternoon near the intersection of North 18th Street and Gayosa Street. According to authorities, one person was injured and transported to a local hospital in stable condition. The investigation is still ongoing. more »

• Baton Rouge General's Birth Center releases top baby names of 2025 Play Video

  December 29, 2025 11:59 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Baton Rouge General's Birth Center released the ten most popular baby names for newborns this year, along with other baby name trends. BRG's top girl names for 2025 are: 1. Olivia 2. Nora 3. Evelyn 4. Ivy 5. Kennedi/Kennedy The top boy names for the... more »

• BRPD investigating fatal scooter crash that left one dead along Perkins Road Play Video

  December 29, 2025 11:24 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Baton Rouge Police are investigating a fatal crash that happened at a Racetrac on the corner of Perkins Road and Staring Lane involving a car and an electric scooter. Officials said the crash happened on Friday around 9:40 p.m. and left 29-year-old Andrew McMullen dead. ... more »

• Louisiana State Police reveal details about fatal crash in Zachary Play Video

  December 28, 2025 1:49 PM

  ZACHARY - The Louisiana State Police revealed information about a fatal crash that took place around 7 p.m. in East Baton Rouge Parish on Saturday. According to investigators, 68-year-old Leon McKneely of Zachary was killed when a Ford Fusion traveling northbound on La. 67 near Wilmore Drive allegedly struck... more »