Ball, La. (5/18/2026) – The Ball Police Department confirmed Monday that homicide suspect Shammond Sanders was found dead in East Feliciana Parish.
Police said the United States Marshals Service notified the department on May 16 after human remains were discovered inside an abandoned building.
The East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office located the remains during an investigation in the parish.
Because of the advanced decomposition, the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab assisted with the identification process.
Authorities positively identified the remains as Shammond Sanders. Ball Police wanted Sanders in connection with a March homicide investigation and additional charges.
Investigators said Sanders was wanted following the March 5 killing of 51-year-old Renina Simmons in Ball.
The Rapides Parish Coroner’s Office previously confirmed Simmons died at the scene on Monroe Highway. Authorities classified her death as a homicide.
Ball Police and assisting agencies spent months searching for Sanders after the shooting at a local gas station along U.S. Highway 165.
At the time, investigators considered Sanders armed and dangerous.
Officials said an autopsy and additional forensic testing remain underway. Investigators currently believe Sanders died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
However, authorities stressed the investigation remains active pending final forensic findings.
Police said the case will formally close after all investigative and forensic procedures are completed.
In a statement, the Ball Police Department acknowledged the difficult outcome while expressing hope the development brings closure to the victim’s family.
The department also thanked the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshals Service, East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police Crime Lab, and assisting agencies for their support throughout the investigation.
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