On April 21, 2016, an Ascension Parish jury found Robert Cosey, age 48, of Prairieville, LA. guilty of the Manslaughter of Shedrick Diggs, who was fatally shot at a family gathering in Ascension Parish in 2013. Cosey was originally charged with Second Degree Murder. Cosey was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kenneth Dupaty with the Honorable Judge Alvin Turner Jr. presiding over the matter.

 

On March 29, 2013, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to 17128 Richmond Dr. Prairieville, LA. in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival deputies located an individual identified as Shedrick Diggs Jr., age 42, of Baker, LA. lying on the drivieway in front of the residence suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Following a thorough investigation, officials were able to determine that Diggs was attending a Good Friday crawfish boil at his cousin’s residence. The shooter was quickly identified as Robert Cosey Jr., the husband of Digg’s cousin. Witnesses provided testimony that Cosey was knapping inside of the residence when members of his wife’s family began showing up for a family gathering. Upon Cosey exiting a bedroom inside of the residence, he engaged in a verbal altercation with individuals inside of the residence. Cosey then exits the residence, walks over to his vehicle, and returns with a semi-automatic handgun. The victim, Diggs, approaches Cosey in an attempt to calm Cosey down. At this time, Cosey fired the gun striking Diggs in the Chest. Diggs succumbed to his injuries on scene. Cosey then fled the residence. Cosey was apprehended a short time later by authorities with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. Cosey was then transported back to Ascension Parish where he was booked.

 

Per Judge Turner, sentencing was deferred pending a Pre-Sentence Investigation. Cosey is facing up to 40 years in prison.