Police make second arrest in triple shooting

Stacy Gill

Posted January 27th, 2010
Jimmy Whitfield
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Zachary police have made a second arrest in the investigation of a triple shooting that occurred Dec. 27 in which three persons were injured.
Jimmy Whitfield, 24, Zachary, was arrested Jan. 12 based on information learned from some of the witnesses to the shootings plus help from the news media regarding his whereabouts. Whitfield was found staying with relatives in Jackson. With the help of Jackson Police Department and Jackson Marshals, Zachary Police apprehended Whitfield without incident, said Capt. David McDavid.
Whitfield was charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated second-degree battery and booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.
Bernard Bethley, 22, Zachary, was arrested Jan. 7 in connection with the shootings. He was also charged with attempted first-degree murder.
On Dec. 27, witnesses say authorities were called to 5709 Avenue Z in response to several individuals engaging in a 'fistic encounter.' No arrests were made at that time.
Later that same evening, police were called to the same address after shots were fired and three persons were rushed to Lane RMC for their injuries.
Police are still looking for Courtney Whitfield, Leonard Tenart and Jason Brown in connection with the fighting incident only and not the shootings, said McDavid.