2012 shootings of St. John the Baptist Parish police officers

Mass shooting in Louisiana, U.S. December 2025 December 2025 St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, United States August 16, 2012 Murder and mass shooting Brandon Nielsen, 34Jeremy Triche, 27 Michael Boyington, 33Jason Triche, 30 Kyle David Joekel Brian Lyn Smith AK-47 assault rifle Guilty Kyle JoekelFirst-degree murder (x2)Brian SmithNone (mentally incompetent to stand trial) yes Death – Kyle Joekel On August 16, 2012, at St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, a group of self-proclaimed sovereign citizens carried out a mass shooting targeting four sheriff's deputies. The attack claimed the lives of 34-year-old Brandon Joseph Nielsen (September 14, 1977 – August 16, 2012) and 27-year-old Jeremy Michael Triche (August 20, 1984 – August 16, 2012), while the other two deputies sustained injuries.August 16, 2012 Two police shot dead and two injured in Louisiana https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-19287159 BBC August 16, 2012 Two Deputies Are Shot and Killed in a Louisiana Ambush https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/17/us/2-deputies-killed-and-2-hurt-in-louisiana-shootings.html The New York Times Authorities arrested seven suspects in connection with the shooting.August 18, 2012 Seven arrested in St. John Parish deputy shootings https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/2012/08/18/seven-arrested-in-st-john-parish-deputy-shootings/27025848007/ Houma Today Among them, three individuals — Kyle David Joekel (born January 1, 1985) and the father-son duo, Terry Lyn Smith and Brian Lyn Smith — were identified as the primary perpetrators, with Joekel and Brian Smith being the shooters responsible for the killings. Joekel and Brian Smith were charged with first-degree murder and faced the death penalty, while Terry Smith was charged with attempted first-degree murder.November 25, 2017 Trial for suspects in deputies' murder moves out of St. John Parish https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/crime/2017/11/25/trial-for-suspects-in-deputies-murder-moves-out-of-st-john-parish/16967663007/ Houma Today The rest were either released or convicted of lesser charges.June 9, 2014 Deputy shootings left deep scars in St. John https://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/deputy-shootings-left-deep-scars-in-st-john/article_bf4f6668-fb20-57bc-ace1-b4f7cce16402.html The Advocate Terry Smith was later sentenced to life imprisonment for an unrelated rape case. Brian Smith was deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial and thus detained in a medical facility, while Joekel was found guilty of first-degree murder on both counts, and sentenced to death.February 8, 2020 Man convicted in 2012 deaths of 2 Louisiana deputies https://www.katc.com/news/covering-louisiana/man-convicted-in-2012-deaths-of-2-louisiana-deputies KATC News February 9, 2020 Man convicted of killing St. John deputies sentenced to death https://www.wdsu.com/article/man-convicted-of-killing-st-john-deputies-sentenced-to-death/30833283 WDSU Murders On August 16, 2012, a mass shooting perpetrated by a group of extremists resulted in the deaths of two police officers in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana.August 16, 2012 Louisiana 'ambush' kills 2 deputies, wounds 2 https://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/16/justice/louisiana-officers-shot/index.html CNN On that morning, Sheriff's Deputy Michael Scott Boyington was shot four times with high-velocity rounds while conducting an off-duty security detail at a parking lot used by contractors near a refinery. The man responsible for Boyington's shooting, 44-year-old Terry Lyn Smith, who lived in a trailer park in LaPlace with his family, consisting of his 37-year-old second wife Chanel Skains, his 24-year-old older son Brian Lyn Smith and his 22-year-old younger son Derrick Smith. Apart from his wife and two sons, three more individuals: 27-year-old Kyle David Joekel, Brian's 23-year-old girlfriend Britney Keith and a 21-year-old woman named Teniecha Bright, were present in the trailer park.August 16, 2012 Two Louisiana deputies killed in ambush shootings https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/two-louisiana-deputies-killed-ambush-shootings-flna946383 NBC News In response to the shooting of Boyington, a team of four deputies approached the trailer park after they tracked reports of a speeding vehicle. While they were questioning Joekel and pinned him to the ground after cuffing him, Brian, who was said to be a paranoid schizophrenic, brandished an AK-47 style rifle and fired multiple shots at the deputies. Joekel himself also joined in the shooting after he got out of his cuffs. The shooting resulted in the deaths of two deputies, 27-year-old Jeremy Michael Triche and 34-year-old Brandon Joseph Nielsen, and a third deputy named Jason Triche (unrelated to Jeremy Triche) was wounded. The fourth and final deputy, Anthony Bullock, was not hurt.August 17, 2012 4 men, 3 women arrested in shooting of Louisiana sheriff's deputies https://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/17/justice/louisiana-officers-shot/index.html CNN February 8, 2020 Kyle Joekel found guilty of murder in St. John deputy ambush https://www.kalb.com/content/news/Kyle-Joekel-found-guilty-of-murder-in-St-John-deputy-ambush-567673481.html KALB Subsequently, the two shooters, Joekel and Brian, were injured from a subsequent gunfight after the police fired back. The pair were taken to hospital for treatment while the remaining five were taken into custody as suspected accessories to the shooting.August 17, 2012 Seven arrested over Louisiana police shooting https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-19302902 BBC The two wounded deputies, 33-year-old Michael Scott Boyington and 30-year-old Jason Triche (unrelated to Jeremy Triche), were taken to River Parishes Hospital for treatment and survived their injuries, and both were eventually discharged within three months after their hospitalization.August 21, 2012 2 St. John deputies remain hospitalized, continue to improve https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/2-st-john-deputies-remain-hospitalized-continue-to-improve/article_0a042632-dff5-5e36-be6c-08f3a95f3ea8.html The New Orleans Advocate November 27, 2012 Deputy Jason Triche, wounded during the Aug. 16 shootings, comes home to St. John https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/deputy-jason-triche-wounded-during-the-aug-16-shootings-comes-home-to-st-john/article_cd1e7574-71d1-5bd7-a163-e2adc59490a2.html The New Orleans Advocate However, the pair were left with permanent disabilities as a result of the shooting.November 25, 2017 Judge moves trial of man accused of killing 2 deputies https://apnews.com/general-news-879e5543ad684c68b17a8391b1273e03 Associated Press Preliminary investigations revealed that some, if not all, members of the Smith family and Joekel were alleged extremists connected to the sovereign citizen movement, an ideology classified by the FBI as domestic terrorism due to their beliefs that the government have no jurisdiction over them. Notably, Terry harbored a deep distrust in government, which he passed on to his two sons, and even refused to carry a driver's license.August 18, 2012 Suspects in deputy killings linked to extremists https://www.cbsnews.com/news/suspects-in-deputy-killings-linked-to-extremists/ CBS News Apart from this, Joekel, a native of Nebraska, was a wanted fugitive sought after by the Nebraska and Kansas authorities for drug and resisting arrest charges, as well as making terrorist threats toward a person and toward law officers at a local bar in Gage County in August 2011.August 17, 2012 Neb. man among those in custody for Louisiana shootout https://www.ketv.com/article/neb-man-among-those-in-custody-for-louisiana-shootout-1/7635262 KETV Pre-trial developments Charges After their arrests, Kyle Joekel, Teniecha Bright and the Smith family were all charged with attempted first-degree murder and accessory to attempted first-degree murder.August 18, 2012 Seven charged over shootings of 4 sheriff's deputies in Louisiana https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/seven-charged-over-shootings-4-sheriffs-deputies-louisiana-flna951011 NBC News On August 24, 2012, both Brian and Joekel were charged with first-degree murder, an offense that warrants the death penalty under Louisiana state law.August 24, 2012 Two charged with murder in killings of Louisiana cops https://www.reuters.com/article/world/us/two-charged-with-murder-in-killings-of-louisiana-cops-idUSBRE87M146/ Reuters The prosecution planned to seek the death penalty for both Joekel and Brian.March 1, 2017 Death penalty case for man accused of murdering St. John deputies may be moved out of parish https://www.nola.com/news/courts/death-penalty-case-for-man-accused-of-murdering-st-john-deputies-may-be-moved-out/article_55afc2c2-c1f7-53a8-9b6b-43dc4670c85a.html The New Orleans Advocate On August 25, 2012, a grand jury formally indicted both Brian and Joekel for first-degree murder, while Britney Keith was indicted for principal to first-degree murder.August 25, 2012 3 indicted in fatal shooting of 2 St. John deputies https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/3-indicted-in-fatal-shooting-of-2-st-john-deputies/article_b212d534-c269-5f97-90d4-1bd8ddf0f216.html The New Orleans Advocate August 25, 2012 3 suspects indicted in murder of St. John deputies https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/3-suspects-indicted-in-murder-of-st-john-deputies/article_94af4fea-d316-5abd-b13f-6805f794f8bd.html The New Orleans Advocate It was speculated that Joekel and Brian would go on trial for murder earliest by 2014.December 15, 2012 St. John deputy shooting suspects will not go to trial until 2014 https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/st-john-deputy-shooting-suspects-will-not-go-to-trial-until-2014/article_4bbc6260-d633-5867-b9c4-e6133d2c8abd.html The New Orleans Advocate In February 2015, it was reported that Terry Smith had tried to escape from prison, but this attempt failed after a fellow prisoner alerted prison staff of Terry's plans.February 27, 2015 Jailbreak plans foiled for St. John sheriff deputies shooting suspect, TV station reports https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/jailbreak-plans-foiled-for-st-john-sheriff-deputies-shooting-suspect-tv-station-reports/article_67f2e28b-a446-546d-92d5-c6c806437207.html The New Orleans Advocate Bright's release and convictions of Keith, Skains and Derrick Smith By November 2012, the charges against Bright were dropped after she told police that she was only catching a ride home with the Smiths at the time when the shootings occurred. Chanel Skains, the wife of Terry, pleaded guilty to being an accessory to the shootings and agreed to cooperate as a prosecution witness; a witness testified that Skains had tried to intervene during the shootings and even attempted to save one of the deputies at the time of the shooting.November 20, 2012 Chanel Skains, wife of patriarch of clan accused in St. John deputy shootings, pleads guilty to being an accessory https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/chanel-skains-wife-of-patriarch-of-clan-accused-in-st-john-deputy-shootings-pleads-guilty/article_400d41a1-ca55-53d0-867e-1660efe18c1a.html The New Orleans Advocate Similarly, Britney Keith pleaded guilty to being an accessory in April 2013 and likewise agreed to testify against the main offenders.April 27, 2013 Britney Keith, one of the seven original suspects in St. John deputy shootings, pleads guilty https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/britney-keith-one-of-the-seven-original-suspects-in-st-john-deputy-shootings-pleads-guilty/article_3745cc78-c859-554c-b4b0-eb5ef9c22368.html The New Orleans Advocate She was sentenced in 2022 to concurrent sentences of five years' jail for each of the charges she was found guilty of.February 17, 2022 Britney Keith sentenced on charges resulting from 2012 officer slayings https://lobservateur.com/2022/02/17/britney-keith-sentenced-on-charges-resulting-from-2012-officer-slayings/ L'Observateur Derrick was convicted in May 2013 after pleading guilty as an accessory, and he was sentenced to five years' jail for the offense, plus 12 years for the other charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.May 22, 2013 Derrick Smith, one of 7 original suspects charged in St. John Parish deputy ambush, pleads guilty https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/derrick-smith-one-of-7-original-suspects-charged-in-st-john-parish-deputy-ambush-pleads/article_9d6446f0-06ec-5050-afd4-6395da3199ea.html The New Orleans Advocate May 22, 2013 Man pleads guilty in deadly ambush of St. John deputies https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/2013/05/22/man-pleads-guilty-in-deadly-ambush-of-st-john-deputies/27052288007/ Houma Today Despite concerns of his alleged links to extremist groups, Derrick was released in April 2017 after he completed less than half of his sentence with good behaviour.April 6, 2017 Release of suspect linked to St. John deputy shooting surprises sheriff, relatives https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/release-of-suspect-linked-to-st-john-deputy-shooting-surprises-sheriff-relatives/article_0cd1ce7e-d06f-55cf-93af-dc45a7918deb.html The New Orleans Advocate April 6, 2017 Inmate convicted in deaths of 2 La. deputies released on parole https://www.police1.com/officer-shootings/articles/inmate-convicted-in-deaths-of-2-la-deputies-released-on-parole-zRHILNWOiJWmrZ5V/ Police1 However, four months later, Derrick was re-arrested for illegal possession of weapons.August 19, 2017 Deputy killings accessory busted; 'Good-time parole' ends after weapons arrest https://lobservateur.com/2017/08/19/deputy-killings-accessory-busted-good-time-parole-ends-after-weapons-arrest/ L'Observateur Rape trial of Terry Smith Terry, who still faced charges of attempted first-degree murder in connection to the shootings, was brought to trial for raping his stepdaughter over a period of seven years from 2004 to 2011, and local prosecutors charged him with a total of two counts of aggravated rape, three counts of aggravated incest and one count of sexual battery.January 24, 2016 Child sex trial to start for accused deputy shooter https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/crime/2016/01/25/child-sex-trial-to-start-for-accused-deputy-shooter/22651173007/ Houma Today January 26, 2016 Trial opens for alleged child rapist charged in cop shooting https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/crime/2016/01/26/trial-opens-for-alleged-child-rapist-charged-in-cop-shooting/27155507007/ Houma Today On January 28, 2016, Terry, then 48 years old, was found guilty of all charges by a 12-member jury through a unanimous decision.January 28, 2016 Oak Grove man guilty in child rape case https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/crime/2016/01/28/oak-grove-man-guilty-in-child-rape-case/27155783007/ Houma Today On March 21, 2016, Judge Randall Bethancourt sentenced Terry to two mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole for the most serious charges of aggravated rape, plus another 95 years' jail for the remaining charges.March 21, 2016 Oak Grove man sentenced to life in prison for sex crimes https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/2016/03/21/oak-grove-man-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-sex-crimes/27159423007/ Houma Today After his sentencing, Terry filed an appeal against his rape conviction in January 2017,January 17, 2017 Convicted child rapist files appeal https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/crime/2017/01/17/convicted-child-rapist-files-appeal/22462459007/ Houma Today but the Louisiana 1st Circuit Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal and upheld his life sentences and convictions on February 17, 2017.February 25, 2017 Life sentence upheld for child rapist https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/crime/2017/02/26/life-sentence-upheld-for-child-rapist/22074794007/ Houma Today Murder trials Pre-trial motions In August 2013, both Brian Smith and Kyle Joekel filed motions to avoid the death penalty. Brian asked to have the death penalty taken off the table on the grounds of severe mental illnesses, while Joekel asked to overturn his indictment for first-degree murder.August 16, 2013 2 men charged with killing St. John deputies file motions to avoid death penalty https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/2-men-charged-with-killing-st-john-deputies-file-motions-to-avoid-death-penalty/article_b7172b64-4d97-5b75-b40c-ccb0e6e5c4f4.html The New Orleans Advocate In September 2013, the pair returned to court to argue their cases, with Joekel's counsel submitting that the indictment against Joekel should be downgraded to second-degree murder (which was punishable by life imprisonment) as the indictment did not specify the aggravating circumstances to qualify it as a death penalty case, and Brian's lawyers citing testimony from his stepmother about his psychiatric condition.September 12, 2013 2 defendants charged with killing St. John deputies head to court Thursday https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/2-defendants-charged-with-killing-st-john-deputies-head-to-court-thursday/article_046459aa-ae7b-54ff-9a73-139f17dc638c.html The New Orleans Advocate September 12, 2013 In St. John deputies shooting, judge considers motion to quash indictment https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/in-st-john-deputies-shooting-judge-considers-motion-to-quash-indictment/article_027b5acd-1b2e-5d36-81ee-c844b8e925cb.html The New Orleans Advocate During that same month, Judge J. Sterling Snowdy denied Joekel's request to overturn his indictment.September 18, 2013 In St. John sheriff deputies' killing, judge refuses to quash murder indictment https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/in-st-john-sheriff-deputies-killing-judge-refuses-to-quash-murder-indictment/article_728dab74-3a71-5063-89f5-d092b3e7eb1c.html The New Orleans Advocate Relocation of trial venue In March 2017, 40th Judicial District Court Judge J. Sterling Snowdy approved a 2014 application by Brian's lawyers to move the trial venue from St. John the Baptist Parish to another venue, due to the publicity of the case and the need to ensure a fair and impartial trial.March 9, 2017 St. John judge opts to move case involving killing of 2 deputies out parish, calls courthouse 'heart' of controversy https://www.nola.com/news/courts/st-john-judge-opts-to-move-case-involving-killing-of-2-deputies-out-parish-calls/article_f29610e0-50d3-5844-b8c1-312253ab5d93.html The New Orleans Advocate March 11, 2017 In St. John sheriff deputies' killing, judge grants change of venue https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/in-st-john-sheriff-deputies-killing-judge-grants-change-of-venue/article_82e6a424-b005-5fbc-acfd-374b217cf329.html The New Orleans Advocate In November 2017, Judge Snowdy decided to move the trial location of Brian Smith's trial to the St. Martin Parish. Similarly, Kyle Joekel, the other shooter, would have his trial venue moved even though he would be tried separately.November 23, 2017 High-profile trials for men facing death penalty in killing of St. John deputies moved to St. Martin Parish https://www.nola.com/news/courts/high-profile-trials-for-men-facing-death-penalty-in-killing-of-st-john-deputies-moved/article_344d8247-a6dc-5d41-adea-a54233c1edde.html The New Orleans Advocate Brian Smith In March 2018, Brian's new trial date was fixed on October 22, 2018, after the original trial date in February 2018 was postponed.March 23, 2018 October trial set for man charged in killings of 2 deputies https://apnews.com/general-news-d569efbb0e724da080450f45c7b7ab2d Associated Press March 23, 2018 October trial set for man charged in killings of 2 deputies https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/october-trial-set-for-man-charged-in-killings-of-2-deputies/ The Seattle Times By 2020, Brian was detained at a mental hospital after psychiatric experts deemed him mentally incompetent to stand trial for first-degree murder. As a result of this ruling, Kyle Joekel was the sole shooter of the pair to be put on trial and condemned to death row for murdering Jeremy Triche and Brandon Nielsen.February 9, 2020 Jury: Death penalty for man in Louisiana deputies' killings https://www.houmatoday.com/story/special/2020/02/09/jury-death-penalty-for-man-in-louisiana-deputies-killings/1740652007/ Houma Today February 7, 2020 Man convicted in 2012 deaths of 2 Louisiana deputies https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/man-convicted-in-2012-deaths-of-2-louisiana-deputies/ The Seattle Times Kyle Joekel Conviction Less than eight years after the double murder and several delays, the murder trial of Kyle Joekel began on February 1, 2020.January 31, 2020 In ambush killing of two St. John deputies, death penalty trial set to start Saturday https://www.nola.com/news/courts/in-ambush-killing-of-two-st-john-deputies-death-penalty-trial-set-to-start-saturday/article_54453802-445b-11ea-9ed2-0bf529722548.html The New Orleans Advocate During the trial, it was the prosecution's case that Joekel had actively participated in the shooting of the deputies and the most notable aspect of the case was, Joekel had armed himself with an AK-47 assault rifle and shot one of the murder victims, Deputy Brendon Nielsen, to death while the deputy was injured and had fallen on the ground, and even shot Triche. DNA evidence revealed that Joekel's blood was on the rifle, and his pants were also covered with blood matching the DNA profile of Nielsen. The defense, however, denied that Joekel participated in the shootings and claimed that the sole shooter was Brian Smith, who was still detained without trial at a mental facility, even though they agreed that Joekel was at the scene of crime when the shooting occurred, and they also argued that the prosecution failed to prove that Joekel fired a shot at the time of the shooting, and also pointed to the inconsistency in the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses. The two surviving deputies, Jason Triche and Michael Scott Boyington, as well as Terry Smith's wife Chanel Skains, were among the witnesses who testified for the prosecution.February 1, 2020 Defense says Kyle Joekel not to blame for St. John deputy killings as Edgard trial gets underway https://www.nola.com/news/courts/defense-says-kyle-joekel-not-to-blame-for-st-john-deputy-killings-as-edgard-trial/article_a78fb208-453c-11ea-a4aa-8f5096d88532.html The New Orleans Advocate February 3, 2020 Recalling chaotic ambush, St. John Parish deputies weep during murder trial https://www.nola.com/news/courts/recalling-chaotic-ambush-st-john-parish-deputies-weep-during-murder-trial/article_b21e5496-46e4-11ea-a450-8f098bfefe7a.html The New Orleans Advocate February 4, 2020 'You're going to kill everybody!' Woman tells jury how group opened fire on St. John deputies https://www.nola.com/news/courts/youre-going-to-kill-everybody-woman-tells-jury-how-group-opened-fire-on-st-john/article_c4fd58c2-47ad-11ea-9210-e3a72cf33eb7.html The New Orleans Advocate Joekel elected to enter his defense and took the stand, and he testified that he was innocent of the crime and never fired a shot, insisting that he was merely a bystander and pinned the blame on Brian.February 6, 2020 Defendant in bloody St. John Parish deputy shooting says he never fired a gun that day https://www.nola.com/news/courts/defendant-in-bloody-st-john-parish-deputy-shooting-says-he-never-fired-a-gun-that/article_0d0be9ec-493b-11ea-8653-9f5869ab3551.html The New Orleans Advocate On February 7, 2020, the jury found Joekel guilty of first-degree murder on both counts after deliberating the case for less than 30 minutes.February 7, 2020 Nebraska man guilty in 2012 slayings of two St. John Parish sheriff's deputies https://www.nola.com/news/courts/nebraska-man-guilty-in-2012-slayings-of-two-st-john-parish-sheriffs-deputies/article_f40623de-49f0-11ea-aca3-b33e8d58ae1e.html The New Orleans Advocate February 7, 2020 Man convicted in 2012 deaths of 2 Louisiana deputies https://apnews.com/general-news-15f57ab518d1d8ed4a7ded53618a20bd Associated Press Sentencing After his conviction, the sentencing trial of Joekel began the next day on February 8, 2020. The prosecution sought the death penalty for Joekel, stating that the families of Jeremy Triche and Brandon Nielsen had suffered great pain and devastation from the loss of their loved ones, and also cited the magnitude of Joekel's actions and impact on the lives of those affected by the shooting. The family members of the deceased deputies also testified that the victims were good fathers and husbands and how much their actions and deaths impacted their lives. On the other hand, Joekel's defense counsel urged the jury to sentence Joekel to life without parole, stating that their client, who grew up in rural Nebraska on his grandfather's farm, had a tragic upbringing marred by poverty, isolation, and a troubled family life. Joekel was said to have left school in 11th grade after a conflict with his father, who was a minister who was forced by financial hardship to travel around the country for preaching professions, and he became an alcoholic in high school, which was a common phenomenon in his community, and his family could not afford heating in their home due to their poverty.February 7, 2020 Conviction in hand, prosecutors to seek death penalty in St. John deputy killings https://www.nola.com/news/courts/conviction-in-hand-prosecutors-to-seek-death-penalty-in-st-john-deputy-killings/article_dc5f02ce-4a08-11ea-a8d6-a30348451997.html The New Orleans Advocate February 8, 2020 Deciding if Kyle Joekel gets death penalty: Deputies seen as heroes; killer's childhood was bleak https://www.nola.com/news/courts/deciding-if-kyle-joekel-gets-death-penalty-deputies-seen-as-heroes-killers-childhood-was-bleak/article_64a50a5c-4ad1-11ea-986d-b3851ef2bc82.html The New Orleans Advocate On February 9, 2020, the jury returned with their verdict on sentence, unanimously recommending the death penalty for Joekel after about 30 minutes of deliberation. State prosecutor William Dieters reportedly described in his closing statement that Joekel had caused "total chaos and hell" for murdering the two victims in cold blood and it was unfair for him to seek mercy, in contrast to the defense's attempt to portray Joekel as someone who followed along with the Smith family's radical beliefs. The families of Triche and Nielsen responded in the aftermath that the death penalty was the only appropriate justice in this case.February 9, 2020 Kyle Joekel, convicted of killing 2 deputies, is sentenced to death; 'there was total chaos and hell' https://www.nola.com/news/courts/kyle-joekel-convicted-of-killing-2-deputies-is-sentenced-to-death-there-was-total-chaos/article_5f6e1904-4b60-11ea-b07f-077a6b3fa576.html The New Orleans Advocate February 9, 2020 Jury: Death penalty for man in Louisiana deputies' killings https://apnews.com/national-national-general-news-e3506e7994e4fa1949c23fdae4938cd7 Associated Press On February 10, 2023, three years after the jury delivered their verdict of death, 39-year-old Kyle David Joekel was formally sentenced to death by Judge J. Sterling Snowdy. The sentencing came after several delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and an extensive motion filed by Joekel's lawyers for a new trial. Joekel's lawyers expressed their intention to appeal against the death sentence.February 10, 2023 Gunman formally sentenced to death for 2012 officer killings, 3 years after conviction https://lobservateur.com/2023/02/10/gunman-formally-sentenced-to-death-for-2012-officer-killings-3-years-after-conviction/ L'Observateur Current status of Joekel After he was sentenced to death, Kyle Joekel was transferred to the Louisiana State Penitentiary, where he was incarcerated on death row since his sentencing in 2023; a total of 57 inmates, including Joekel, were held on death row that year.June 13, 2023 Who is on death row in Louisiana? Here are the 57 names and their history. https://www.nola.com/news/politics/these-are-the-57-people-on-death-row-in-louisiana/article_3d60e05e-f4df-11ed-b24e-1fff4a677337.html The New Orleans Advocate In 2023, the same year Joekel was sentenced to death, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, nearing the end of his term, publicly expressed his opposition to the death penalty and called for its repeal. Despite his advocacy, the Louisiana legislature voted on May 24, 2023, to reject a bill that would have abolished capital punishment in the state.https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-edwards-legislature-abortion-death-penalty-a89154992949d92a620254f5f94d544f Abortion, raises and death penalty top of Edwards' agenda Associated Press April 10, 2023 February 16, 2025 February 16, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250216145345/https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-edwards-legislature-abortion-death-penalty-a89154992949d92a620254f5f94d544f livehttps://apnews.com/article/louisiana-death-penalty-48c7487ae6036b30544f9d90e0ff350b Louisiana lawmakers reject bill to abolish death penalty Associated Press May 24, 2023 February 16, 2025 February 16, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250216145345/https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-death-penalty-48c7487ae6036b30544f9d90e0ff350b live The following month, in June, 55 of Louisiana's 56 death row inmates — including Joekel — submitted clemency petitions, hoping Edwards would commute their sentences to life imprisonment before leaving office. These requests were reviewed by the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Committee on Parole.https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-death-penalty-clemency-inmate-247b69f5f57946022b14332c34216be8 Nearly all of Louisiana's death row inmates ask governor for clemency on the same day Associated Press June 13, 2023 February 16, 2025 February 16, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250216145345/https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-death-penalty-clemency-inmate-247b69f5f57946022b14332c34216be8 livehttps://www.kplctv.com/2023/08/11/who-are-56-inmates-louisianas-death-row-requesting-clemency/ Who are the 56 inmates on Louisiana's death row requesting clemency? KPLC TV August 11, 2023 February 16, 2025 February 16, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250216145345/https://www.kplctv.com/2023/08/11/who-are-56-inmates-louisianas-death-row-requesting-clemency/ livehttps://www.kalb.com/2023/06/15/3-cenla-death-row-inmates-request-clemency/ 3 Cenla death row inmates request clemency KALB June 15, 2023 However, in July 2023, the Board denied all 56 petitions, ruling the inmates were ineligible due to filing too soon after recent court decisions — clemency requests must come at least a year after a final appeal ruling.https://apnews.com/article/death-row-clemency-louisiana-f4ce63ebdc199487e943675ef3fbf57f All 56 Louisiana death row clemency petitions turned away for being ineligible Associated Press July 28, 2023 February 16, 2025 February 16, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250216145345/https://apnews.com/article/death-row-clemency-louisiana-f4ce63ebdc199487e943675ef3fbf57f live In October 2023, the Board also rejected additional clemency pleas from five more death row inmates, including Antoinette Frank.https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/14/louisiana-denies-clemency-hearings-to-five-death-row-prisoners Louisiana denies clemency hearings to five death row prisoners The Guardian October 14, 2023https://lailluminator.com/2023/10/14/clemency-death-row/ Louisiana pardon board denies clemency hearings to five on death row Louisiana Illuminator October 14, 2023 February 16, 2025 February 16, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250216152247/https://lailluminator.com/2023/10/14/clemency-death-row/ live On March 18, 2025, the state of Louisiana conducted the execution of convicted rapist-murderer Jessie Hoffman Jr. by nitrogen hypoxia, bringing an end to the state's 15-year moratorium on executions due to the state's shortage of lethal injection drugs and inability to procure them.The Guardian March 18, 2025 Louisiana uses nitrogen gas for first time in death row execution https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/18/louisiana-nitrogen-gas-execution-jessie-hoffman-jr Associated Press March 18, 2025 Louisiana puts man to death in its first nitrogen gas execution, his lawyer says https://apnews.com/article/execution-louisiana-nitrogen-eb5e7e61ff0875dc7b68664b42b6e980 As of March 17, 2025, the eve of Hoffman's execution, Joekel was one of 56 prisoners to remain on Louisiana's death row; the number fell to 55 after Hoffman's death sentence was carried out.Louisiana Illuminator March 17, 2025 As Louisiana is set to resume executions, these 56 people are on death row https://lailluminator.com/2025/03/17/louisiana-death-row/ Aftermath Within the following week after the shootings, memorial services were conducted for both the fallen deputies. The first funeral and memorial mass was held for Jeremy Triche, who was four days short of becoming 28 when he died. Triche was buried on August 20, 2012, the date of his 28th birthday, while Brandon Nielsen's funeral was scheduled for two days from August 21 to August 22, 2012, with many officers from across the state attending his funeral. Nielsen was survived by his wife and five children while Triche left behind a wife and two-year-old son.August 21, 2012 St. John deputy is buried on what would have been his 28th birthday https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/st-john-deputy-is-buried-on-what-would-have-been-his-28th-birthday/article_9b04f977-4994-552f-88cc-170795d229cf.html The New Orleans Advocate August 22, 2012 St. John deputy slain in shooting remembered https://www.wdsu.com/article/st-john-deputy-slain-in-shooting-remembered/3358471 WDSU Over the next few years after the shooting, both the widows of Nielsen and Triche gradually became close friends due to them losing their husbands to the same tragedy. The families of the victims and the community of St. John the Baptist Parish also continued to conduct memorial ceremonies to commemorate the two deceased deputies.August 16, 2013 2 slain deputies remembered one year after ambush https://www.wafb.com/story/23154037/2-slain-deputies-remembered-one-year-after-ambush/ WAFB Jason Triche, one of the survivors of the shooting, resumed his work as a police officer in 2017 after accepting a kidney transplant, and was assigned to the information technology department at the Sheriff's Office.April 29, 2017 Jason Triche returns to work 5 years after horrific shooting https://lobservateur.com/2017/04/29/jason-triche-returns-to-work-5-years-after-horrific-shooting/ L'Observateur April 25, 2017 St. John deputy Jason Triche welcomed back to duty after kidney transplant https://www.nola.com/archive/st-john-deputy-jason-triche-welcomed-back-to-duty-after-kidney-transplant/article_836b7695-a787-53d1-a0b7-efe6702e4b52.html The New Orleans Advocate See also Capital punishment in Louisiana List of death row inmates in the United States Louisiana List of mass shootings in the United States References Category:2012 in Louisiana Category:2012 murders in the United States Category:Capital murder cases Category:August 2012 crimes in the United States Category:Murder in Louisiana Category:People murdered in Louisiana Category:Deaths by person in Louisiana Category:Deaths by firearm in Louisiana Category:Gun violence in the United States Category:Anti-police violence in the United States Category:American police officers killed in the line of duty Category:Incidents involving the sovereign citizen movement Category:2012 mass shootings in the United States