Alexandria, LA (2/9/2024) – In a somber courtroom scene, a Rapides Parish Judge delivered a sentence of life imprisonment at hard labor without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence to Keundra Mekel Walker of Natchitoches.
The sentencing, which took place on February 1, 2024, marked the culmination of a harrowing legal journey stemming from a tragic incident that shook the community to its core.
The victim, Mikelia Bush Williams, leaves behind a grieving husband, Darian, her daughter Paris, as well as her mother, father, and a multitude of friends and family members. The loss of her life serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of senseless violence.
The incident, which occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 5, 2021, according to the Alexandria Police Department, sent shockwaves throughout the city, leaving a community grappling with profound sorrow and anguish.
In the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, calls for peace and unity have reverberated throughout Alexandria and beyond. The family of Mikelia Bush Williams has issued a heartfelt plea, urging individuals to “put the guns down” and recognize the value and sanctity of human life.
The case, which was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Lea R. Hall and Kenneth Doggett, underscored the unwavering commitment of law enforcement officials and legal authorities to pursue justice on behalf of the victims and their loved ones.
Presiding over the sentencing proceedings was Judge Greg Beard, whose solemn deliberations echoed the gravity of the situation and the profound impact of the crime on all those involved.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the collective call to action remains clear: #PutTheGunsDown. Together, as a community united in grief and determination, we must strive to build a safer, more compassionate society where every life is cherished and protected.
Source: Family, Rapides District Attorney’s Office
