Lake Charles, Louisiana – A 25-year-old Louisiana man faces charges for failing to report information about a fatal shooting that occurred at the Lake Charles Seawall earlier this year.
Kevin Jerron Goffney Jr, 25 of Lake Charles, Louisiana, was arrested Sept. 19 by the United States Marshals Service and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in Harvey, Louisiana, on a warrant issued by Lake Charles Police. The arrest warrant charges Goffney with failure to report the commission of certain felonies, a charge that stems from his alleged refusal to cooperate with investigators examining the July 20 murder of Trakeyvan Handy.
The shooting incident took place at the Lake Charles Seawall, a popular waterfront area in the southwest Louisiana city. Lake Charles Police responded to reports of gunfire and discovered Handy had been shot and killed at the scene.
During their investigation, detectives interviewed multiple people who were present during the shooting. While investigators identified several individuals as witnesses to the incident, those witnesses have refused to share their observations with law enforcement, according to police statements.
Louisiana law requires citizens to report certain serious crimes to authorities when they have knowledge of those offenses. The failure to report statute is designed to encourage public cooperation with law enforcement investigations, particularly in cases involving violent felonies such as murder.
Goffney’s bond has been set at $150,000. He will be transported back to Lake Charles at a later date to face the charges in Calcasieu Parish court.
Lake Charles Police continue investigating Handy’s murder and are seeking additional information from the public. The department has not announced any arrests in connection with the actual shooting.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about the July 20 incident to contact the Lake Charles Police Department directly or submit anonymous tips through the Lake Charles PD mobile application.
The investigation remains active as detectives work to identify and charge the person responsible for Handy’s death.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.