Fatal Attempted Robbery: 22-Year-Old Man Guilty Verdict in Bossier Parish

In the unfortunate death of 18-year-old Johnathan Bothwell, Taylor Jackson Kerley, 22, was found guilty by a unanimous Bossier Parish jury of Fatal Attempted Robbery, second-degree murder, violence, and obstruction of justice. The incident occurred in 2019 in Haughton, La.

Taylor Jackson Kerley, 22, was found guilty of Fatal Attempted Robbery (Photo from Westcentralbest.com)

Guilty Verdict for Fatal Attempted Robbery in 2019 Haughton Shooting

The trial showed that the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting in Dogwood South early on November 29, 2019. Bothwell was shot dead at home during a Fatal Attempted Robbery. Kerley, 18, committed the heist with a juvenile man.

Sheriff’s office detectives and crime scene investigators testified about the terrifying facts. Digital evidence showed Kerley removing his license plate before entering the subdivision to avoid discovery.

Snapchat communications between Kerley and Bothwell helped identify him as the gunman.

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Mother’s Brave Testimony Unveils Tragic Night

Marta Pertuz, Bothwell’s mother, bravely testified about the nightmare in court. Kerley tried to run after shooting her son and assaulted her with a mason jar, she said. Pertuz lost numerous teeth and was seriously injured.

Kerley’s premeditated heist became apparent during the trial. Kerley now faces life in jail for Fatal Attempted Robbery, and second-degree murder after being convicted. A community greatly affected by this tragedy will find closure on May 6 with the sentencing.

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