On Friday DA Warren Montgomery released a statement regarding an inmate’s death while in police custody.
Multiple Bogalusa police officers and two Washington Parish sheriff’s deputies have now been cleared of any wrongdoing in relation to the in-custody death of 28 YO Eric Nelson. He said Eric Nelson died a tragic and unfortunate death. He said his heart goes out to his family, friends and the entire Bogalusa community.
Because of the circumstances of his death, Montgomery said he conducted a thorough review of the facts surrounding his arrest. He reviewed a special death investigation report by the Louisiana State Police. He then reviewed the hospital records, autopsy report, videos and other materials regarding his death. And then he engaged the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s office to review the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s autopsy report. And finally, he said he presented the case to a Washington Parish Grand Jury on January 17, 2023.
He said he reviewed every relative criminal charge to this case and determined that the evidence does not meet the standard needed for criminal prosecution.
Based on all the information involving the death of Eric Nelson while in police custody, no criminal charges will be brought at this time against law enforcement personnel involved in the incident on December 19, 2021. Montgomery cautioned that his decision was based on the presently available information and he remains open to review any additional new information presented.
The Louisiana State Police report and other materials in a redacted form will be made available on his website at https://www.DAMontgomery.org/Eric-Nelson today.
