Local basketball player remembered for his loving ways

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A 19-year-old Thibodaux man is in custody of the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office after he allegedly shot and killed a 25-year-old – a beloved figure in the local basketball community.

The incident happened at a large house party on Superior Wood Avenue in Gonzales where people from several different parishes attended – some even showing up together on busses, according to authorities.


Sometime during the party, authorities said Jerrodd Brown, 25, of Thibodaux got into an argument with a girl who’d attended the party.

The girls’ brother, Joshua Harris, 19, of Thibodaux, allegedly intervened and started to argue with Brown.

Joshua Harris


During the argument, authorities said Harris allegedly pulled out two guns, opening fire with both on Brown – killing him on the scene.

Authorities said Harris fled back to Thibodaux after the alleged murder, but he was apprehended on Saturday morning and taken back to Ascension Parish.

He is charged with second-degree murder, illegal discharge of a weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.


Harris has an extensive criminal history, including charges for attempted second-degree murder, obscenity, armed robbery, aggravated second-degree battery and simple robbery. He is on probation.

The victim, Jerrodd Brown, is a former Terrebonne High School basketball standout – one of the best players in the recent memory of the school.

Known by friends and family as “Roddy”, Brown played college basketball, as well, most recently at Voorhees College. When not playing organized ball, Brown was always at Lisa Park Gym and other locations locally where pick-up basketball was offered.


Those who remember him say he had a constant energy, which made him fun-loving and always willing to laugh.

As news of his murder got out on Saturday morning, several locals poured onto social media, expressing their prayers for Brown’s family, while offering remorse at his passing.

University of New Orleans basketball star and Houma native Randi Brown posted a photo of Brown on Instagram with a caption, “Houma won’t be the same man! RIP big bro.”


Houma-based professional player Sumar Leslie and her little brother, soon to be pro basketball player, Lionheart Leslie, both offered their condolences, as well, joined by hundreds of others who did the same.

Lionheart Leslie said he remembers Brown as a fun-loving guy and the type of person who always had something good to say when a person needed a pick-me-up.

“He was really a good guy, man. He didn’t have been with anybody,” Leslie said. “We’re all going to miss him. This world don’t have too many real people, you know, so when we lose one, it really hurts.”


Friends of Brown said what hurts the most about the crime is that they feel like it could have easily been avoided.

They said they wonder how Brown – a non-confrontational guy – could have possibly doe something to warrant such a swift reaction.

Local musician Keierica Howard knew Brown well. She said her heart aches for his family in their time of need.


“Roddy was just Roddy. It was as simple as that,” she said. “He was such a great person to know and friend to have. He was definitely a brother to me. I can hear the different ways that everyone said his name in my head. … I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much in my life and I am a person who cries a lot. Roddy, you were such a good friend and brother to me and I’m so glad I got to tell you how much I love you. I’ll miss you so much and God knows your spirit will live in us all forever.”

The case is still under investigation and authorities said more charges may be given. •

Jerrodd Brown


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