On June 26, 2026, an Ascension Parish Jury found 41-year-old Jerome Lilly of Prairieville, LA, guilty of Manslaughter. Lilly was on trial for his involvement in the shooting death of 40-year-old Tarrence Williams, also of Prairieville. Lilly was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Chris Carter and Blake Sheets. Presiding over this matter was the Honorable Judge Cody Martin. 

          On July 13, 2022, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Deputies responded a residence on Cherry Creek Dr. Prairieville in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the 911 caller, Jerome Lilly. Lilly told deputies that he had gotten into a physical altercation with his girlfriend’s ex, Tarrance Williams, which ultimately resulted in him shooting Williams. Tarrence Williams was located lying in the entry way of the residence suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Williams was pronounced deceased on scene. Detectives responded and began collecting evidence and witness statements. Detectives learned that Lilly and Williams had gotten into a heated telephone conversation regarding Williams’s minor children. Williams traveled to the residence to retrieve his children, when a verbal argument ensued. Although there was no evidence of the argument becoming physical, Jerome Lilly fired multiple shots striking Williams. Jerome Lilly was placed under arrest and booked into the Ascension Parish Jail.  

          Upon the jury returning a guilty verdict in this matter, sentencing was deferred to a later date pending a Pre-Sentence Investigation. 

      On October 27, 2026, Jerome Lilly was sentenced to 40 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections with credit for time served.