The Louisiana Court of Appeal has upheld the conviction of De'Andrus Long Jr., a teenager sentenced to 27 years in prison for manslaughter. The court ruled on September 30, 2026, affirming the trial court's decision despite Long's claims of jurisdictional issues and excessive sentencing. This ruling is significant as it clarifies legal standards regarding juvenile competency and the handling of serious criminal charges against minors.
Long's case began when he was charged with manslaughter in connection with the shooting death of Kirean Harris at a truck stop in Madison Parish. The court's decision impacts not only Long but also sets a precedent for how similar cases involving juveniles may be handled in the future.
Background
De'Andrus Long Jr. was 17 years old when he was involved in a fatal shooting on April 16, 2023. Long had a history of disciplinary issues in school and was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD). The incident occurred at the Old Truck Stop on Highway 65 South, where surveillance footage captured Long confronting Harris before shooting him multiple times.
Initially, Long faced several charges, including second-degree murder. His defense raised concerns about his mental competency, leading to a request for a mental health evaluation. However, the trial court found that the indictment returned by a grand jury divested the juvenile court of jurisdiction over Long's case.
The Ruling
The Louisiana Court of Appeal, with Judge Marcotte presiding, ruled that the trial court acted correctly in affirming its jurisdiction over Long's case. The court stated, "The order requirement is thus important because a district attorney’s charging decision could otherwise be held hostage to defense timing." The court emphasized that the trial court had not appointed a competency commission before the indictment was returned, which meant that the juvenile protections were not applicable in this case.
Additionally, the court addressed Long's concerns regarding his competency to plead guilty. It concluded that the trial court had adequately ensured that Long understood his rights and the implications of his plea. The court noted, "The record contains a 'waiver of constitutional rights and plea of guilty' executed on November 17, 2025, bearing the correct docket number, Long’s name, and the charge written in as 'manslaughter.'" The court found no error in the trial court's acceptance of Long's guilty plea.
Impact
This ruling has important implications for the treatment of juvenile defendants in Louisiana. It clarifies that a formal order for a competency evaluation is necessary for juvenile protections to apply in criminal proceedings. The court's decision also reinforces the idea that the trial court has broad discretion in determining a defendant's competency and the appropriateness of a guilty plea.
Long's case illustrates the challenges faced by young defendants, particularly those with mental health issues. The court's ruling may influence future cases involving juveniles, particularly in how courts assess competency and jurisdictional issues. The affirmation of Long's sentence also highlights the serious consequences of violent crimes, even when committed by minors.
What's Next
Long's conviction and sentence can be appealed to the Louisiana Supreme Court, although the likelihood of a successful appeal remains uncertain given the appellate court's thorough ruling. There are currently no related cases pending that could directly impact Long's situation.