Newton Police Chief Will Jackson said Thursday that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the recent murder of a DeRidder woman.
Jackson said it was information from witnesses along with assistance from other agencies that resulted in the arrest of Dionte Rechard Johnson, 29, of Newton, who is accused of pulling the trigger resulting in the death of 22-year-old Asia Marie Scott.
Jackson said that Johnson, who is now charged with murder was arrested shortly after 1:00 on Thursday afternoon as was he walked into the Newton County Courthouse to see his parole officer.
Additionally, Jackson said the he had obtained a warrant for the arrest of another individual in connection with the crime, but he said that he could not release the name of that individual pending arrest, formal charges and arraignment.
Scott, the mother of a young daughter, died on the morning of Sunday, January 11th after being shot at a popular hangout known as "The Hill" on the north side of Newton. Scott, who was taken by private vehicle to Christus Jasper Memorial Hospital, died a short time after her arrival.
It was originally reported that in all, three people had been injured by gunfire. According to Jackson, the defendant that is now in custody was one of those who were injured. However, Jackson said that after receiving treatment at Christus Jasper Memorial Hospital, Johnson was released and never went back for a follow-up. He said two other men were treated and later released from other hospitals.
Ironically, the shooting and the death of Asia Marie Scott is said to have occurred on her birthday.
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