BATON ROUGE, La. — Police have arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with the fatal shooting of 80-year-old James Williams, a beloved community figure known affectionately as “Uncle Pig.”
The Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD) took Daniel Westley into custody Friday, April 4, charging him with first-degree murder. Williams was found deceased on the front porch of his Avenue E home the evening of Tuesday, April 1, suffering from at least one gunshot wound.
While authorities have not disclosed a possible motive, neighbors described Williams as a neighborhood patriarch who frequently sat on his porch greeting passersby. “He watched over this block for decades,” said longtime resident Marcia Dupree. “To lose him this way is devastating.”
The arrest comes after a three-day investigation by BRPD’s Violent Crimes Unit. Court records show Westley has prior arrests but no violent felony convictions in East Baton Rouge Parish.
“This arrest won’t bring Uncle Pig back, but we hope it brings some measure of justice,” said BRPD spokesperson L’Jean McKneely. Detectives continue piecing together events leading to the shooting and have not ruled out additional charges.
Williams’ death marks the city’s 24th homicide this year. Community activists plan a candlelight vigil this weekend to honor the octogenarian, remembered for his generosity and neighborhood watch efforts.
Anyone with information is urged to contact BRPD at 225-389-4869 or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867. A GoFundMe has been established to assist with funeral expenses.