FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington Parish Grand Jury Returns Indictments in Two Homicides

September 18, 2024

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on September 17, 2024, a Washington Parish grand jury returned indictments in two unrelated homicides.

The grand jury indicted 34-year-old Perry Bell of Baton Rouge for first degree murder relating to the fatal beating of 29-year-old Corey Dillon on July 2, 2024.  Major Jacob Waskom with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections headed the investigation.  Assistant District Attorney Ronald Gracianette presented the case to the grand jury.

The grand jury indicted 35-year-old Clois Blackledge of Bogalusa for second degree murder relating to the fatal shooting of 62-year-old Lark Starnes on July 5, 2024.  Detective Chad Cassard with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office headed the investigation.  Assistant District Attorney Ronald Gracianette presented the case to the grand jury.