Eighth Judicial District Attorney Chris Nevils has released the results of several court proceedings held October 9, 12, 15 and 16, 2026, in Winn Parish, including a 32-year prison sentence for manslaughter and multiple guilty pleas involving drug offenses, impaired driving and other criminal charges.
The proceedings included felony and misdemeanor cases, with sentences ranging from probation and suspended prison terms to incarceration in the custody of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.
October 9 – Manslaughter Sentencing
Cameron Chrishod Joe appeared in court for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to manslaughter. Joe was sentenced to 32 years at hard labor, with the sentence ordered to run consecutively.
October 12 – Felony Drug and Vehicular Offenses
Adam Lance Shirley pleaded guilty to first-degree vehicular negligent injuring. Shirley received a five-year hard labor sentence through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. The execution of the sentence was suspended, and Shirley was placed on probation for three years.
Joshua Leonard Womack pleaded guilty to possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance and was sentenced to two years at hard labor in the custody of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, with credit for time served.
Womack also pleaded guilty to distribution of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. For that offense, he received a 10-year hard labor sentence, which was suspended, along with five years of supervised probation.
October 15 – Multiple Guilty Pleas and Sentencings
Several defendants appeared in court October 15 on charges involving traffic violations, domestic abuse, public disturbances and other offenses.
Keith D. Armstrong pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while his driver’s license was suspended, revoked or canceled. Armstrong was sentenced to 90 days in the custody of the Winn Parish Sheriff, with credit for time served. His driver’s license will also be suspended for one year.
Billy Raydale Finn entered an Alford plea to criminal trespass. An Alford plea allows a defendant to accept a conviction without admitting guilt. Finn was sentenced to 30 days in the custody of the Winn Parish Sheriff or Winnfield Police.
Deanna Lee Hanson Gorham pleaded guilty to first-offense domestic abuse battery and was sentenced to 90 days, with credit for time served.
Martin E. Hutto pleaded guilty to obstructing public passages and received a 58-day sentence in the custody of the Winn Parish Sheriff, with credit for time served.
John Derek Allen pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace by appearing in an intoxicated condition. Allen was sentenced to 90 days, with the sentence ordered to run consecutively to any other time he is required to serve.
Tylexcia Gilbert pleaded guilty to criminal mischief. Sentencing was deferred, and Gilbert was placed on probation for two years. Additional requirements include payment of a fine, court costs, probation fees and a fee to the Office of Public Defender.
Alonzo Ramon Jewitt pleaded guilty to resisting an officer by refusing to provide a name or providing false information. Sentencing was deferred, and Jewitt was placed on probation for two years, with requirements to pay a fine, court costs, probation fees and a fee to the Office of Public Defender.
Mary Caitlin Johnson pleaded guilty to simple battery. Johnson received a six-month suspended sentence and was placed on probation for two years. She was also ordered to pay court costs and probation fees.
Shelbie Elizabeth McCarter pleaded guilty to first-offense operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Imposition of sentencing was deferred, and McCarter was placed on supervised probation through the Winn Parish Probation Office for 24 months.
Additional conditions include payment of a fine, court costs, probation fees and a fee to the Office of Public Defender. McCarter must also complete 32 hours of community service, participate in a drug and substance abuse program, complete a driver improvement program and use an ignition interlock device for one year.
October 16 – Drug Possession and Obstruction of Justice Cases
Court proceedings October 16 focused on several felony drug offenses involving Schedule II controlled dangerous substances.
Iquita Shawnee Booker Gooden pleaded guilty to possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance weighing less than two grams. Gooden received a two-year hard labor sentence, which was suspended, and was placed on supervised probation through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections for five years.
Casey E. Lawson pleaded guilty to possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance weighing between two and 28 grams. Lawson received a five-year hard labor sentence, which was suspended, and was placed on probation for three years through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.
Edward C. Smith pleaded guilty to possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance weighing between two and 28 grams and obstruction of justice.
Smith received a sentence of two and a half years in the custody of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections for the drug possession charge. He also received a two-and-a-half-year sentence for obstruction of justice. Both sentences were ordered to run consecutively, resulting in a combined five-year prison sentence.
Matthew Dewayne Patton pleaded guilty to possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance weighing less than two grams. Patton received a two-year hard labor sentence, which was suspended, and was placed on supervised probation through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections for five years.
District Attorney Releases Court Results
The proceedings reported by District Attorney Chris Nevils reflect a range of criminal cases handled in the Eighth Judicial District Court during October.
Among the most significant outcomes were Joe’s 32-year manslaughter sentence, Smith’s consecutive prison sentences totaling five years, and several felony drug convictions resulting in incarceration or supervised probation.
The court also imposed various conditions on defendants receiving suspended or deferred sentences, including community service, substance abuse treatment, driver improvement programs, financial obligations and probation supervision.
The Eighth Judicial District Court serves Winn Parish, with the District Attorney’s Office responsible for prosecuting criminal cases within the jurisdiction.
The information was provided through official press releases issued by District Attorney Chris Nevils regarding court actions taken October 9, 12, 15 and 16, 2026.