On last week, two of three defendants arrested in connection with a 2024 Donaldsonville shooting pled guilty. These guilty pleas were the result of plea agreements with prosecutors. Assistant District Attorney Philip Prescott is the lead prosecutor on this case, and presiding over this matter is the Honorable Judge Jason Verdigets. 

• Jamil Joseph, 304 Opelousas St. Donaldsonville, LA, age 21, pled guilty to Attempted 2^nd Degree Murder. Joseph’s plea was entered mid-way through his scheduled trial.

• Makiah Nailer, 314 Wiliams St. Donaldsonville, LA, age 20, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Attempted 2^nd Degree Murder. 

          On March 28, 2024, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a residence on Barcelona Dr. Donaldsonville in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies located a male subject suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he was treated for injuries sustained and ultimately recovered. During the course of an extensive investigation, detectives learned that a vehicle occupied by multiple individuals approached the victim’s residence as he was standing near the mailbox. This is when gunfire erupted, and the victim was struck multiple times. Detectives learned that the victim was in contact with an individual discussing a narcotics transaction. Detectives were able to determine that the victim was lured out of his residence and ambushed. Jamil Joseph, Makiah Nailer, and Jeremiah Jones were identified as suspects. With the assistance of community members, all suspects were identified, apprehended, and taken into custody. 

          Upon entering a guilty plea to the above-mentioned charges, both defendants were sentenced as follows: 

• Jamil Joseph was sentenced to 15 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections with credit for time served.
• Makiah Nailer was sentenced to 8 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections with credit for time served. 

          Jeremiah Jones, 8200 Main St. Sorrento, LA, age 22, remains incarcerated awaiting trial for his involvement.