Third Arrest Made in Ina Clare Drive Homicide Investigation
Opelousas Police Department Investigators have made a third arrest in the ongoing
investigation of the October 20, 2024, homicide on Ina Clare Drive.
Yesterday, Investigators arrested Devalon Jude Chevis in the 1100 block of Park
Avenue. Upon arrival, Chevis was spotted in his yard but fled into the house and
refused to exit.
Investigators immediately secured the location and obtained a search warrant for the
residence. Upon entry, Chevis was located hiding behind the washer and dryer and was
promptly taken into custody without incident.
While Investigators do not believe Chevis was involved in the shooting death of the
victim, Jaleel Guidry, they do believe he was the intended target of the incident. Recent
technological surveillance placed in the area of Ina Clare Drive provided evidence that
Chevis and the suspect(s) engaged in a shootout.
An arrest warrant was obtained for Devalon Jude Chevis on the following charges:
Possession of a Machine Gun
Illegal Use of Weapons and Dangerous Instrumentalities
Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Chevis was booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail with bond set at $1 million.
Previously, Gerard Griffin was arrested for First Degree Murder in connection to this
case. His bond has been corrected to $4 million. Additionally, Finecia Renee Draper,
Griffin’s mother, was arrested for Obstruction of Justice, with her bond set at
$400,000.
Chief Graig Leblanc expresses his appreciation to the public for their assistance in providing the
information that facilitated this arrest. He encourages the community to continue reporting any
suspicious activity in their area, assuring them that their calls will remain anonymous.
The Opelousas Police Department is seeking assistance from the public. Anyone with
information regarding this crime or any other crime is urged to contact the Opelousas Police
Department at 337-948-2500. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Crime
Stoppers at 337-948-TIPS, via email at crimetips@opelousaspd.com, or through the P3 mobile
App. Tipsters may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2500.00 for information leading
to the identification and apprehension of those responsible.
We appreciate the continued support of the community and remain committed to ensuring the
safety and well-being of all residents. Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until
proven guilty.
For Media Inquiries:
Joe Anderson PIO/Opelousas Police Department
337-948-2500
jdanderson@opelousaspd.com
