Truer Crime: Deadly Small-Town Secrets — The Reporter Who Risked Everything for the Jeff Davis 8

Host: Celisia Stanton
Guest: Ethan Brown
Release Date: March 13, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping Season 2 episode of Truer Crime, host Celisia Stanton delves deep into the harrowing case of the Jeff Davis 8, uncovering layers of corruption, human trafficking, and systemic failure in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana. The episode features an in-depth conversation with Ethan Brown, the investigative reporter whose persistent efforts have shed light on this convoluted and tragic series of murders.

Ethan Brown’s Journey into the Jeff Davis 8 Case

Ethan Brown’s interest in the Jeff Davis 8 case ignited in 2009 while working as an investigator for a law office in New Orleans. His curiosity was piqued by the unsettling presence of billboards on Highway I-10, displaying the faces of all eight murdered women, combined with a compelling New York Times article by Campbell Robertson.

Ethan Brown [02:54]: “I started working for an investigator at a law office in New Orleans... I would pass images of the eight women every time I went out there.”

Brown recognized the disturbing frequency of the murders in such a small area, drawing parallels to the crack epidemics of the 1980s but localized in rural, white Louisiana. His background includes authoring four books on crime and criminal justice, contributing to major publications, and assisting attorneys in death penalty cases.

Investigating Local Corruption and Human Trafficking

Determined to unearth the truth, Brown visited Jeff Davis Parish in the summer of 2011, engaging with local families and uncovering alarming accounts of corruption within the sheriff's department. His investigations revealed a human trafficking ring operating out of the local jail, involving connections to high-profile individuals, including a former Louisiana congressman.

Celicia Stanton [05:16]: "Ethan actually wrote a book called Queens Reign Supreme about crack kingpins... these parallels... all stayed with him as he continued his investigative work."

Relationship with Frankie Richard

A pivotal figure in Brown’s investigation was Frankie Richard, a central suspect linked to several of the murders. Known for his violent reputation and connections to drug trafficking, Frankie maintained an enigmatic relationship with Brown, characterized by frequent phone calls and bizarre requests.

Ethan Brown [08:15]: “He sort of lumped in media people altogether... It was really bizarre.”

Celicia draws parallels between Frankie’s manipulative behavior and his ability to weave a network of loyal yet potentially dangerous contacts, highlighting the complexity of his character and the challenges he posed to the investigation.

Challenges and Hostility from Law Enforcement

As Brown's reporting gained traction, he faced escalating hostility from local law enforcement. After publishing his detailed Medium article in 2014, aimed to appear in GQ magazine, the sheriff's office and local media launched a smear campaign against him, questioning his credibility and intent.

Ethan Brown [15:25]: “The sheriff published a message about me on the actual sheriff's office website that was like really nuts.”

This backlash not only threatened Brown’s safety but also underscored the deep-seated corruption and resistance to accountability within the parish's power structures.

The Informant System and Its Dangers

A significant revelation in the episode is that all eight victims served as informants for local law enforcement. Brown explains the precarious nature of these relationships, especially in an environment rife with corruption and limited protections for informants.

Ethan Brown [23:18]: “Police departments and sheriff's offices have people who are informants but it's much more informal... They just sort of do their thing.”

Celicia emphasizes the heightened risks these women faced, caught in a system that exploited them for information while failing to ensure their safety or justice.

Failures of the Investigation and Task Force

Brown critiques the multi-agency task force initiated in 2008-2009 to solve the Jeff Davis 8 homicides, highlighting severe deficiencies in investigative practices, poor interview conduct, and blatant conflicts of interest.

Ethan Brown [29:45]: “The interviews are conducted very poorly... witnesses were telling them all these horrible things about the sheriff's office.”

The task force's collapse by 2012, due to inadequate efforts and internal conflicts, left the cases unresolved, perpetuating the cycle of injustice and impunity.

Hope for Resolution and Ongoing Efforts

Despite the decades-long impasse, Brown remains cautiously optimistic about achieving justice. He commends the new sheriff’s office for its commitment to solving select cases and challenging entrenched power dynamics.

Ethan Brown [33:20]: “I do think there's hope for the cases. I met the new sheriff last summer and I was really impressed by how smart they are.”

Brown also uncovers connections to influential figures, such as the prominent congressman involved with the Boudreaux Inn, suggesting that powerful interests may still be obstructing the quest for truth and accountability.

The Importance of Bearing Witness

Celicia reflects on the emotional toll the case has taken on the community and the critical role of investigators like Brown in keeping the memories of the victims alive. The act of bearing witness serves as a beacon of hope for the grieving families and a reminder of the systemic failures that need to be addressed.

Ethan Brown [36:54]: “Just knowing that people are interested in [the case]... it's very easy to despair and feel isolated... So, yeah, whatever people can do to say that they're out there and listening and interested is fantastic.”

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a powerful call to action, urging listeners to remember the victims and support ongoing efforts to unravel the deeply embedded corruption in Jefferson Davis Parish. Celicia Stanton recommends Ethan Brown’s book, Murder in the Bayou, and a five-part documentary series by Showtime for those seeking to further explore the intricate web of deceit and tragedy that defines the Jeff Davis 8 case.

Celicia Stanton [35:48]: “Do whatever you can do to make sure that this case isn't forgotten, that the women aren't forgotten, that people still care about it.”

Ethan Brown continues his vital work with the Garrison Project, aiming to expose and address mass incarceration and policing issues through meticulous investigative reporting.

For more true crime stories and updates, follow Celisia Stanton on Instagram, TikTok (@helicastanton), or subscribe to her weekly newsletter at sincerelycelecia@substack.com.