"While not a whole lot is happening with the task force, Frankie Rashard is again arrested in 2009, this time in connection to, like, this theft ring that's going on. His house gets raided, and $3,500 in cash is taken, and then subsequently goes missing from evidence." — Britt
"The guy who sold the truck is fined $10,000, taken off the murder investigations, which feels like a step in the right direction. I improved so far. Until the sheriff's department puts him in charge of the evidence room at the sheriff's office, in charge of the, like, this guy who was unethical for what he did with evidence, the fuck up." — Britt
"So in one of the few steps forward that the task force actually makes, Sheriff Ricky Edwards orders that all of the investigators on this case should submit DNA samples. This happens in 2009. So there's DNA. So here's the thing. I don't know. Nothing has been stated publicly about what they would compare this to, or if there's ever a sample in any of the cases that they've collected that they have a profile against." — Britt
This episode of Crime Junkie delves into the perplexing case of the "Jeff Davis Eight," detailing the suspicious deaths of eight women in Jennings, Louisiana, between 2005 and 2008. The narrative begins with the discovery of Loretta Chasson's body in a canal, whose death was initially classified as undetermined due to a lack of clear cause and signs of foul play. The investigation highlights a deep-seated distrust between the local community and law enforcement, fueled by accusations of corruption, including drug dealing and mistreatment of sex workers. This distrust complicated the early stages of the investigation, as many residents were hesitant to cooperate with authorities.
As more women were found deceased under similar circumstances, the theory of a serial killer gained traction within the community, despite official reluctance to label it as such. The episode meticulously chronicles the individual cases, identifying commonalities such as involvement in sex work, substance use issues, and connections to individuals like Frankie Rechard, who was last seen with several of the victims. The investigation faced significant hurdles, including alleged mishandling of evidence, conflicting witness testimonies, and questionable actions by law enforcement officials, such as a sheriff's investigator selling a vehicle potentially linked to a murder.
The report concludes by emphasizing the lack of definitive answers and the ongoing frustration of victims' families. Despite the formation of a multi-agency task force including the FBI, the case stalled, with many potential suspects dying before their involvement could be fully ascertained or charges could be brought. The hosts encourage listeners with any information to contact the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff's Office, underscoring the enduring hope for justice for the eight women.