Public Information Officer
Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux
Phone 337-948-6516
Fax 337-407-9458
Press Release: April 1, 2022
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ARRESTED:
Michael J. Zachary, age 16
ADDRESS:
507 S. Bridge Street
Washington, LA., 70589
CHARGE:
Second Degree Murder
Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile
TOTAL BOND: $251,500
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WASHINGTON JUVENILE ARRESTED AND CHARGED AS AN ADULT FOR SECOND DEGREE MURDER
According to Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, “On December 31, 2021, deputies were dispatched to the 300 block of East Saint Mitchell Street in Washington relative to a male subject that was shot. The victim was identified as Keith Adam Joseph, age 38, of Washington. Michael J. Zachary appeared before a grand jury and a True Bill of Indictment was signed by a judge on March 28, 2022, charging Michael J. Zachary as an adult with second degree murder.”
During the investigation by detectives, it was learned that a juvenile (age unknown) requested that an adult purchase cigars from a store, but the money was used by Keith Joseph to purchase alcohol. The juvenile asked for the alcohol that was purchased and walked with Keith Joseph to his home. Upon their arrival, a member of the household asked why the juvenile was there. The household member and the juvenile were involved in an altercation and the juvenile left afterwards. The juvenile reported the incident to a parent.
Later that day, Michael Zachary and the juvenile returned to the residence. Keith Joseph requested that the juvenile come onto the property and apologized to the juvenile. A verbal altercation began between Keith Joseph and Michael Zachary. Michael Zachary produced a handgun and fatally shot Keith Joseph. Michael Zachary fled the scene on foot after the shooting.
When questioned by detectives, Michael Zachary admitted to walking to Keith Joseph’s home with the juvenile. Michael Zachary stated that Keith Joseph grabbed the juvenile’s arm and he confronted Keith Joseph about touching the juvenile. Michael Zachary stated that Keith Joseph walked onto the porch and reached for a shotgun, which was later identified as a BB gun. Michael Zachary admitted to carrying a .22 caliber revolver and shooting Keith Joseph on the night of December 31, 2021.
On behalf of Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, this is Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux.
