Draya Michelle Guillory, a six-year-old Black girl, was remembered by her family as a "beautiful smart girl" who was always happy, outgoing, and energetic. Her aunt said she was very outgoing, and a relative shared that she "brought so much joy to the family." Others recalled a child with a smile that could light up a room and who gave out free hugs.
On the night of March 20, 2022, Draya was at her grandmother’s home in the 1400 block of Mill Street in Lake Charles, Louisiana. At approximately 10:45 p.m., she was sitting on a couch watching television when a drive-by shooting occurred. Draya was struck by gunfire and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A multi-agency investigation determined that the shooting was an act of retaliation stemming from an ongoing dispute that had included arguments on social media. Authorities believed the Mill Street residence was the intended target.
Investigators learned that the suspects were connected to a group that referred to themselves as the "NawfSideBabies."
In April 2022, the Lake Charles Police Department announced the arrests of twelve individuals in connection with the shooting. The suspects were identified as Michael Carter, 19; Elijah Paul Carter, 18; Devonte Jermaine Glodd, 26; Jaylyn Lamar Botley, 23; Zaylon Ray Wheeler, 18; Martice Michelle Cain, 22; Christopher Demon Orphey, 18; Keyaisa Michelle Siverand, 23; Ja'Michael Issiah Siverand, 22; Jesse James Siverand, 19; Joshua Demonte Siverand, 22; and Jeremy Donald Collins, 26. They faced a range of charges, including second-degree murder, principal to second-degree murder, accessory after the fact, and criminal conspiracy, with bonds set as high as $2.5 million.
The investigation continued, and on December 12, 2022, police arrested a thirteenth suspect, Anthony D. Tyler Jr., 32, charging him with one count of first-degree murder. On the same day, the charges against Jeremy Donald Collins were upgraded to first-degree murder. Bonds for both Tyler and Collins were set at $4 million.
As of December 2022, police believed there was more than one shooter involved. While they did not anticipate further arrests unless new information came forward, the investigation remained ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact lead Detectives Sgt. Willie Fontenot or Sgt. Kirk Farquhar by calling (337) 491-1311.
