On September 28, 2018, an Assumption Parish Jury found Kirby Thomas of 117 Greenbriar St. Belle Rose, LA., age 40, guilty of Attempted Manslaughter, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance in an Amount of More than 28 Grams, but Less than 200 grams. This guilty verdict comes after Thomas was arrested in connection with a 2017 shooting that left one man dead and another critically injured. Thomas was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Thomas Daigle and Charles “Chuck” Long. Presiding over this matter was the Honorable Judge Jason Verdigets.
On January 5, 2017, deputies with the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to 117 Greenbriar St. Belle Rose, the residence of Kirby Thomas, after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival deputies observed two male subjects lying on the driveway suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to area hospitals. Nehemiah Jones, age 28, of Belle Rose, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased upon arrival to the hospital. Lashon Brown, age 30, also of Belle Rose, was critically wounded but did ultimately recover from his injuries. The shooting followed an argument that had taken place earlier in the day. Detectives were able to collect evidence on the scene and obtain multiple witness statements which led to a warrant of arrest being issued for Thomas. Thomas shot both subjects with a .223 caliber assault style rifle. During a search of Thomas’ residence following the shooting, detectives and narcotics agents located a large quantity of both powder and crack cocaine along with miscellaneous items used during the manufacturing and distribution of illegal narcotics. Thomas has a prior felony conviction for cocaine possession which prohibits him from being in possession of a firearm. Thomas was subsequently booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on all counts.
It should be noted that a Grand Jury returned a No-True Bill of Indictment on Thomas with regards to the shooting of Jones.
Upon the jury rendering a guilty verdict in this matter, Judge Verdigets set sentencing for November 28, 2018.