Patterson man convicted of murder in 2019 killing

A Patterson man has been convicted of murder in the 2019 death of an 82-year-old man, also of Patterson, who was taking his dog for an evening walk, the 16th Judicial District Attorney’s Office said.

Jarrett Anthony Williams, 49, was convicted Saturday by a 16th JDC jury on a charge of second-degree murder.

Williams is scheduled for sentencing before District Judge Lewis Pittman at 9 a.m. April 26. Second-degree murder carries an automatic sentence of life in prison without parole.

According to the DA’s Office, Riley Bucks Jr., 82, was found unconscious and bleeding in the yard on March 24, 2019.

He was airlifted to New Orleans, where he died without regaining consciousness.

At the time, media accounts indicated that police originally investigated the death as an accident.

An autopsy revealed that Buck had multiple, severe blunt force injuries to his head and neck and that he died as a result of an attack.

During law enforcement’s investigation, a cellphone and keys belonging to Williams were found on the Bucks’ property, the DA’s Office said.

Williams was booked April 3, 2019, on a battery change, and a charge of first-degree murder was added later.

When Williams was arrested, he was still wearing the bloody shoes that he had worn when he attacked Buck, the DA’s Office said. Forensic testing confirmed that the blood on Williams’ shoes was the victim’s.

“The right to a trial by jury is one of the most important rights guaranteed by our Constitution,” said District Attorney Bo’ Duhe. “Without jury trials, our criminal justice system does not
function. I commend the jury for their hard work in this case and their commitment to rendering a fair and just verdict.

“Also, I appreciate our law enforcement and first responder partners that participated in this investigation, particularly Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Kinslow with the Bayou Vista Volunteer Fire Department. I ask everyone to keep the family and friends of Mr. Buck in their prayers.”

Assistant District Attorneys Brady Holtzclaw and Jennifer Reasoner prosecuted the case with assistance from Heather Hendrix and Katie Williams.