Grand Jury Indicted Baton Rouge Man for Murder
A grand jury has indicted 32-year-old Edward Whitten for the second-degree murder of 23-year-old William Hills.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Violence
A Baton Rouge grand jury has indicted 32-year-old Edward Whitten on a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the death of 23-year-old William Hills. Whitten is also facing a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Why it matters
The indictment represents a significant step in the legal process following the death of William Hills, who succumbed to gunshot wounds after being found in his vehicle earlier this year.
A grand jury has officially indicted Edward Whitten, age 32, on charges of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The defendant remains in custody following his arrest with an arraignment date now set.
The players
Edward Whitten
The 32-year-old suspect faces second-degree murder charges and accusations of illegal firearm possession.
William Hills
The 23-year-old victim was found in his car on Byron Avenue after being shot.
The details
Authorities discovered 23-year-old William Hills inside his car on Byron Avenue suffering from multiple gunshot wounds; he later died at a hospital. The indictment follows a reported physical altercation between Whitten and Hills that occurred the day before the shooting.
Timeline
March 28: Whitten and Hills engaged in a physical fight.
March 29: Hills was found in his vehicle with fatal gunshot wounds.
October 12: Whitten is scheduled to appear for his arraignment.
Legal Context
This case follows standard Louisiana judicial protocols for prosecuting violent crime, reflecting the state's reliance on grand juries to formalize felony charges. The legal proceedings highlight the ongoing efforts of local authorities to address gun-related homicides through the formal indictment process.
The formal indictment provides clarity to the community regarding the status of the ongoing investigation into the incident on Byron Avenue. Residents should remain aware that court proceedings are moving forward as scheduled to address the charges.
The takeaway
The indictment marks the transition of this case from the investigative phase to the trial phase of the judicial system. Community members can expect further developments as the court process unfolds on the scheduled date in October.
What happens next
Edward Whitten is scheduled to be arraigned in court on October 12.
Further reading
For more information on local safety efforts, visit the Baton Rouge Violence page.
