Louisiana Tech stabbing: four victims identified, two in critical condition

A Louisiana Tech University student faces four counts of attempted second-degree murder in connection with Monday morning’s stabbing of four women outside the university’s Lambright Sports and Wellness Center.

Jacoby Johnson, 23, of Rayville, remains in the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, where he was taken about 2 p.m. Monday.

Johnson’s victims were identified as former 3rd District Judge Cynthia Woodard, artist Annie Richardson, and retired teacher Debby Hollimon, all of Ruston, and Tech graduate student Dominique McKane.

As of 4:30 p.m., Woodward and Richardson were in critical but stable condition in a Shreveport hospital, and McKane was in stable condition, also in a Shreveport hospital, Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said.

Hollimon did not require treatment.

Johnson was also taken to NLMC for treatment of a reportedly self-inflicted but accidental hand wound he suffered while attacking the women.

The weapon used in the incident, reportedly a folding knife with a 4-inch blade, was recovered, police said.

Woodard and Richardson were leaving a senior exercise class around 9 a.m. Monday when they were attacked from behind on the sidewalk on the east side of the intramural center near the outdoor swimming pool, authorities said.

McKane, reportedly getting ready to teach a subsequent senior exercise class, was attacked in the parking lot. Hollimon was cut on the face as she tried to help McKane.

Louisiana Tech Police Chief Randal Hermes said the attacks appear to be random, and that Johnson appears to suffer from mental conditions. He said the women were victims of opportunity Johnson encountered as he left the Lambright Center.

Authorities said at least some of the women suffered neck wounds.

McKane was airlifted from the scene. Woodard and Richardson were taken to Northern Louisiana Medical Center by a private citizen where they were stabilized and later flown to Shreveport.

“In the wake of this unsettling incident, our hearts go out to those impacted most directly,” Louisiana Tech President Les Guice said in a statement issued shortly before 5 p.m. Monday.

 “Our immediate focus is on those affected by today's violence. While we're grateful for the timely care being provided to the victims, we understand the shock and worry that may linger on campus and in the community. The university will continue to make safety a priority. Please know that you can and should be willing to give and receive compassion and support as needed during this time. I encourage you to rely on the bonds of the Tech community as we grieve and heal.”

A prayer vigil led by the Black Student Union is scheduled for 6 o’clock Tuesday night in the Quad on university campus.

Walker called for prayer for the victims, their families, and for Johnson.

“All (of the victims) were friends of ours. I hope and pray all of us will be praying for the victims and the young man,” Walker said during a late-afternoon press conference.

Johnson was apprehended without incident by campus police as he was heading south past West Alabama Avenue behind the J.C. Love baseball field, Hermes said.

Ruston High School went into “soft lockdown,” keeping students in their classrooms, for about 10 minutes after the incident at the request of the resource officer on campus, principal Dan Gressett said, but no incident occurred there.

Ruston Police Chief Steve Rogers said his agency had an encounter with Johnson about a week ago, but it was not criminal in nature. Johnson lives off campus in an apartment complex on West Alabama Avenue.

“We went and checked him out, and he was fine at that time,” Rogers said.

Johnson had reportedly been inside the building and ran out, encountering the victims in his path.

“His purpose there we do not know,” Rogers said.

Agents with the Lincoln Parish Narcotics Enforcement Team who were in the area serving an unrelated warrant near the time of the incident went to Johnson’s apartment, securing it until police investigators arrived.

Tech reopened the Lambright at 1 p.m. Monday.

Walker said the city is committed to “working closely with the university and relevant authorities to ensure a thorough examination of the circumstances.”

In the meantime, he encouraged the community to come together in support of one another.

“The safety and well-being of our residents, including the students, faculty, and staff of Louisiana Tech University, are of paramount importance,” Walker said.

“The city of Ruston stands united in the face of adversity and remain committed to maintaining the safety and security of our community,” he said.