Lake Charles, Louisiana — Lake Charles police have arrested a 28-year-old Sulphur man in connection with the July 2025 shooting death of a 26-year-old at the city’s lakefront, following what investigators describe as a lengthy investigation.
According to the Lake Charles Police Department, officers were called around 5:58 a.m. on July 20, 2025, to 901 Lake Shore Drive about a reported shooting. Responding officers found the victim, identified as 26-year-old Trakeyvan Handy, near the seawall along the Lake Charles lakefront.
Handy was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have described the case as a homicide investigation that has remained active for months.
Detectives Identify Suspect After Video And Witness Interviews
After what police termed a “thorough and lengthy investigation,” detectives identified Roche Royalle Jackson, 28, as the individual responsible for shooting Handy.
Investigators said they collected and reviewed video surveillance and conducted multiple witness interviews. Through that fact-gathering process, detectives learned that a verbal confrontation took place between Handy and several other people near the lakefront area.
Police say the argument escalated into a physical fight between Handy and one of the subjects. During that physical altercation, Jackson reportedly tried to intervene.
According to investigators, while Jackson was attempting to step between Handy and the other person, he discharged a firearm, shooting Handy. Police did not release additional details about the type of firearm beyond separate charges that reference a machine gun, nor did they describe the exact number of shots fired or the specific injuries Handy sustained.
January 2026 Arrest In Sulphur
On January 18, 2026, Jackson was arrested in Sulphur, Louisiana, police said. Officers located him as he was leaving a local hotel.
Jackson is currently facing the following charges:
- Failure to Report Certain Felonies
- Possession of a Machine Gun
- Possession of Firearm or Carrying Concealed Weapon by Convicted Felon
Lake Charles police noted that Jackson has not been charged with murder at this time. Detectives emphasized that the decision on any additional or upgraded charges will rest with prosecutors.
The case is being forwarded to the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office for a final review of the evidence and consideration of any other applicable charges based on Louisiana law.
Bond for Jackson has been set at $1.25 million, according to the department.
No Murder Charge Filed So Far
Police specifically stated that Jackson “has not been charged with Murder” based on the information and evidence gathered so far.
In this case, Lake Charles detectives say they have presented their findings and will await the formal charging decisions from the Calcasieu Parish district attorney. Authorities did not release any further explanation about the charging decisions to date.
Two Earlier Arrests In The Same Homicide Investigation
Lake Charles Police Department officials also reported that two additional people were arrested earlier in the probe, which they clearly connect to the same homicide investigation involving Handy’s death.
- On September 19, 2025, Kevin Jerron Goffney was arrested in Harvey, Louisiana, on a charge of Failure to Report Certain Felonies.
- On November 5, 2025, Timithy Dale Linan was served with an arrest warrant on the following charges:
- Possession of a Machine Gun
- Failure to Report Certain Felonies
- Possession of Firearm by Person Convicted of Certain Felonies
Police did not describe the specific roles Goffney or Linan allegedly played in the events surrounding the July 20, 2025, shooting, nor did they clarify whether either is accused of being present at the lakefront during the incident.
Lead Investigator And Ongoing Nature Of The Case
Detective Sgt. George Miller is listed as the lead investigator on the homicide case. Lake Charles police describe the investigation as ongoing, meaning additional evidence is still being reviewed, and more charges, arrests, or legal actions remain possible.
Police Ask Public For Tips
The Lake Charles Police Department is asking anyone with information about the July 20, 2025, on Lake Shore Drive — or about the events leading up to or following the incident — to contact investigators.
Members of the public can:
- Call Lake Charles Police at (337) 491-1311, or
- Leave an anonymous tip through the Lake Charles PD app
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.