Infamous: The Jeff Davis 8 - A Detailed Summary

Podcast: Crime Junkie
Host: Ashley Flowers
Co-Host: Brit Prawat
Episode Title: INFAMOUS: The Jeff Davis 8
Release Date: December 30, 2024

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Crime Junkie, host Ashley Flowers delves deep into the mysterious and harrowing case of the Jeff Davis 8—a series of unsolved murders that have left the small town of Jennings, Louisiana, in a state of fear and confusion. Joined by her co-host Brit Prawat, Ashley unravels the complex web of connections, corruption, and unanswered questions surrounding the deaths of eight women over several years.

The Beginning: Loretta Chasson

The story begins on May 20, 2005, when Jerry Jackson, a local fisherman, discovers a woman's body in a canal near his home in Jennings. Initially mistaken for a mannequin due to fly activity, the body is later identified through fingerprints as 28-year-old Loretta Chasson, a known sex worker with a troubled past involving drugs and theft.

Ashley Flowers [02:05]: "The story I have for you today could probably be its own season of Counterclock. It is about eight women, all last seen in the same small town in Louisiana, all connected by much more than their deaths, and this rabbit hole goes deep."

Despite the mysterious circumstances of Loretta's death, classified as undetermined, suspicions start to emerge as connections to Frankie Richard—a man deeply entrenched in Jennings' criminal underworld—come to light.

Rising Tension: Ernestine Patterson and Further Victims

Less than a month after Loretta's discovery, another body surfaces—30-year-old Ernestine Patterson. Unlike Loretta, Ernestine's death clearly points to homicide, marked by several throat gashes and signs of a struggle.

Unknown Speaker [09:14]: "And now they've both been found in canals under suspicious circumstances. So I assume this only fuels the serial killer talk out there."

As rumors of a serial killer begin to take hold, the community grows increasingly anxious. Subsequent victims include Kristen Gary Lopez, Whitney Dubois, Crystal Shay Benoit Zeno, Laconia Brown, Brittany Gary, and Nicole Guillory—each found under similarly disturbing conditions, often connected back to Frankie Richard and other local figures involved in sex work and drug activities.

Suspects and Corruption: Frankie Richard and Law Enforcement

Frankie Richard emerges as a central figure due to his connections with several victims. Accusations against him include his alleged involvement in murders and his ties with corrupt law enforcement officials. Notably, his interactions with Lawrence Nixon and Danny Berry, both implicated in various ways, highlight a troubling nexus of crime and authority.

Ashley Flowers [16:25]: "One of the last people to see her alive. Now, to be clear, not the last, but I think that's part of this weird pattern."

Attempts to prosecute Frankie and his associates falter due to a lack of concrete evidence, unreliable witness testimonies, and increasing corruption within the Jennings Police Department and Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff's Office. Allegations of evidence tampering, such as the sale of a pickup truck linked to Kristen's murder, further complicate the case.

Ashley Flowers [23:07]: "There's no proof he bought the truck to do Frankie some kind of favor."

The episode also sheds light on Terry Guillory, the warden of the Jefferson Davis Parish Jail and cousin to victim Nicole Guillory, whose unethical behavior and rumored involvement add another layer of suspicion and distrust in local law enforcement.

Community Impact and Ongoing Investigations

The continuous discovery of victims over the years has left Jennings residents terrified and distrustful of their police force. Despite the formation of a multi-agency task force involving the FBI, state police, and local sheriff's offices, progress remains stagnant, and many cases remain unsolved.

Ashley Flowers [28:55]: "But no one takes charge in time."

The introduction of DNA sampling in 2009 raised hopes for breakthroughs, but the lack of transparency and subsequent silence from authorities have only deepened community frustration and mistrust.

Current Status and Unresolved Mysteries

As of the episode’s recording, the newly elected Sheriff Kyle Mears has pledged to keep all eight cases open and re-examine existing evidence. However, with key suspects deceased and critical evidence still unaccounted for, the path to resolution remains unclear.

Ashley Flowers [51:00]: "A new sheriff of Jefferson Davis Parish was recently elected in 2024. His name is Kyle Mears. And we tried reaching out to him, too, but as of the recording of this episode, he hasn't called or emailed us back."

The podcast concludes with a call to action, urging anyone with information about the victims to come forward, emphasizing that in a small town like Jennings, the key to unlocking these mysteries lies within the community itself.

Ashley Flowers [54:19]: "Someone knows what happened to these women, because that's just the nature of a small town. Everyone knows everyone's business. And it just takes the right person or the right people to come forward and listen. That might be you."

Listeners are encouraged to contact the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff's Office with any pertinent information, reinforcing the unresolved nature of these tragic cases.

Conclusion

Crime Junkie's episode on the Jeff Davis 8 offers a comprehensive and chilling exploration of a deeply unsettling series of unsolved murders in Jennings, Louisiana. Through meticulous detailing of each victim, the tangled web of suspects, and the pervasive corruption within law enforcement, Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat provide listeners with a compelling narrative that highlights the complexities and challenges in seeking justice for the Jeff Davis 8.

For those seeking more information or wishing to contribute to the ongoing investigation, the episode provides clear avenues for engagement, emphasizing the podcast's commitment to giving voice to the unheard and aiding in the quest for truth.

Notable Quotes

• Ashley Flowers [02:05]: "The story I have for you today could probably be its own season of Counterclock. It is about eight women, all last seen in the same small town in Louisiana, all connected by much more than their deaths, and this rabbit hole goes deep."

• Unknown Speaker [09:14]: "And now they've both been found in canals under suspicious circumstances. So I assume this only fuels the serial killer talk out there."

• Ashley Flowers [16:25]: "One of the last people to see her alive. Now, to be clear, not the last, but I think that's part of this weird pattern."

• Ashley Flowers [23:07]: "There's no proof he bought the truck to do Frankie some kind of favor."

• Ashley Flowers [28:55]: "But no one takes charge in time."

• Ashley Flowers [51:00]: "A new sheriff of Jefferson Davis Parish was recently elected in 2024. His name is Kyle Mears. And we tried reaching out to him, too, but as of the recording of this episode, he hasn't called or emailed us back."

• Ashley Flowers [54:19]: "Someone knows what happened to these women, because that's just the nature of a small town. Everyone knows everyone's business. And it just takes the right person or the right people to come forward and listen. That might be you."

Call to Action

If you have any information about the deaths of Loretta Chasson, Ernestine Patterson, Kristen Lopez, Whitney Dubois, Crystal Zeno, Laconia Muggy Brown, Brittany Gary, or Nicole Guillory, please contact the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff's Office at 337-275-8188 or visit their website at jdpso.org/crime. Additionally, source materials for this episode are available on the Crime Junkie website at crimejunkiepodcast.com.

Join the community of Crime Junkies by following them on Instagram @crimejunkiepodcast and stay tuned for more compelling true crime stories every Monday.

Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.