Grand Jury indicts Sunset slayings' suspect

A St. Landry Parish grand jury has indicted Harrison Lee Riley on several charges linked to the Sunset shooting and stabbing that occurred in August, according to a press release from  St. Landry Parish District Attorney Earl Taylor.

Riley, 35, was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Shameka Johnson and Sunset police officer Henry Nelson, two counts of attempted first-degree murder in the attack on Surlay Johnson and Riley's wife, Courtney Jolivette, and one count of aggravated criminal damage to the Sunset Mini Mart.

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If Riley is convicted of the first-degree murder charges, he could face the death penalty or a mandatory life sentence without parole. For the attempted first-degree murder charges, he faces a maximum of 50 years in prison without parole.

If he is convicted of the aggravated criminal damage to property charge, he could face up to 15 years.

Riley is accused of stabbing Shameka and Surlay Johnson. He then allegedly stabbed his wife and shot Nelson, who was responding to the call.

Jolivette and Jacqueline Johnson sustained moderate injuries.

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Riley then fled in a stolen car, which he crashed into the front of the Sunset Mini Mart a few blocks away.

Officers said Riley appeared to be high on drugs at the time.

Riley was arrested Aug. 26 and later charged with two counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, obstruction of justice and two counts of aggravated criminal damage to property.

An indictment, or true bill, is a formal charge by a grand jury. The grand jury consisted of 12 residents, with two alternates, who were selected by the 27th Judicial District Court.

The jury filed the indictment with District Judge Jason Meche.