Allen Parish District Attorney Joe Green announced Lance J. Edwards of Kinder, was convicted on April 6, 2023, of attempted first-degree murder and domestic abuse battery with child endangerment. The conviction followed a 10-day jury trial before a 12-person jury composed of Allen Parish citizens.
Green emphasized the gravity of the case, in which the defendant fired upon deputies who arrived at his residence to execute a felony warrant for domestic abuse with child endangerment. Judge Judi Abrusley presided over the trial with Assistant District Attorneys John Richardson and Stacey Naquin representing the State of Louisiana. The defendant was represented by Baton Rouge attorneys Brady Skinner and Jeanna Wheat.
The jury learned on November 25, 2019, the Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated a domestic abuse report filed by the defendant’s girlfriend. The incident took place at the defendant’s residence and involved their two-month-old infant. After the victim left the residence, the defendant pursued her to Elton on an ATV, armed with two firearms. The defendant made threats to the victim and warned of “bloodshed” if law enforcement intervened.
A warrant was issued for the defendant’s arrest leading the Allen Parish Special Weapons and Tactics Team to the defendant’s residence. As the officers announced their presence and entered the home, the defendant fired upon them from the living room, where he had surrounded himself with several firearms. Officers returned fire, and a “miracle” occurred when the defendant’s firearm jammed after his first shot, preventing any injuries. Officers successfully arrested the defendant in his living room. ADA Richardson showed the jammed bullet to the jury, and as they passed in among themselves, he emphasized, “Look closely as it’s not every day that you hold a miracle in your hand.”
The jury examined the numerous firearms possessed by the defendant and heard audio-recorded statements where he claimed God was protecting the officers asserting he would have “torn them up” and referred to himself as the “Alpha and the Omega.”
District Attorney Green expressed gratitude to law enforcement, particularly the Allen Parish SWAT Team, many of whom are U.S. military veterans. He commended their professionalism and restraint during the dangerous situation asserting that Allen Parish is safer due to their service. “We owe a debt of gratitude to law enforcement – those who wake up every morning not knowing if they will be returning to their loved ones that night, but go about their duties for our safety.”
The defendant will be sentenced upon the completion of a presentence investigation by the Louisiana Department of Corrections.
