BATON ROUGE, LA – Authorities in East Baton Rouge Parish are investigating the brutal murder of 41-year-old Gerard Nicholas Richard, whose body was discovered Thursday night on the Huey P. Long Bridge. The victim’s body, which had suffered significant trauma, was found near the center of the bridge around 7 p.m. The gruesome discovery has led to the arrest of several family members, including the victim’s girlfriend, her son, and her mother.
Richard, originally from Church Point, was last known to reside in Baton Rouge. His body was found wrapped in a blanket with his wrists tied with rope and tape. Investigators believe that multiple vehicles ran over Richard’s body, and evidence at the scene, including blood smears along the bridge railing, suggested that an attempt had been made to throw him off the bridge.
According to the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Richard’s girlfriend, 36-year-old Coshelia Conley, and her family were the last people to see him alive. Conley, along with her 18-year-old son Da’Sean Conley and her 55-year-old mother Cathy Conley, have been arrested in connection with his murder.
Surveillance footage from Conley’s apartment complex in Baker, where the family resides, provided critical evidence in the case. Authorities reported seeing Conley and her family members removing a trash bag, believed to contain bloodied clothing, approximately 30 minutes before Richard’s body was discovered. A forensic examination of the apartment revealed blood traces and signs of a cleanup attempt, which pointed to efforts to destroy evidence.
Further investigation revealed that earlier in the day, Da’Sean Conley had been involved in a physical altercation with Richard. During the confrontation, Richard was reportedly punched and hit by Conley before the two made their way to a vehicle in the parking lot. Investigators believe a gunshot was heard shortly after the altercation. The Conley family is accused of trying to dispose of Richard’s body by driving it to the bridge.
Witnesses on the bridge reported seeing two cars stop suddenly, only for both to speed away moments later. When one of the vehicles approached the scene, the witness discovered Richard’s body wrapped in the blanket. Authorities have also revealed that, following the discovery of Richard’s body, Conley told investigators that her boyfriend had left her apartment earlier in the day, hours before his body was found. However, security footage and evidence indicated otherwise.
Authorities later tracked Conley’s vehicle heading toward East Feliciana Parish, where it was found burned beyond recognition. Investigators believe the car was intentionally set on fire in an attempt to destroy more evidence.
The case remains under investigation as authorities work to piece together the full details of Richard’s tragic death. Conley, her son, and her mother are currently in custody, facing charges related to the murder and obstruction of justice. This developing case has shocked the Baton Rouge community, as more information is expected to emerge in the coming days.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Richard’s death, and the involvement of family members in this brutal crime.