Ruston police search for suspect in shooting death of teen

Ruston police are asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect or suspects in a Monday afternoon shooting that left a Grambling man dead.

Willie Winzer, 19, died from multiple gunshot wounds sustained as a result of what police believe was an argument between him and his assailant. The incident happened in the parking lot of Edgewood Square Apartments on McDonald Avenue in Ruston.

Police were called to the scene around 1:35 p.m. Monday and arrived to find Winzer lying in the parking lot, police Chief Steve Rogers said Wednesday.

Winzer was taken to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Rogers said Winzer didn’t live in the complex, and so far, investigators don’t know why he was there.

“It appears there was some type of argument that took place between him and some other individual or individuals. We don’t know what the argument was about,” Rogers said.

Winzer had recently been released from jail where he was serving a sentence for negligent homicide in the March 2021 death of his girlfriend, 18year- old Krystavia Buggs.

Buggs died from a single gunshot wound to the head. At the time, Winzer initially denied the shooting that took place inside a trailer at Peachland Mobile Home Park, but later admitted to it, claiming to parish sheriff’s deputies he thought the gun was unloaded.

Police have not said if they think the two incidents are related, only that the investigation into Winzer’s death is continuing.

“We are still actively investigating and following up leads,” Rogers said. “If anyone has any information, please call us.”

Tips can be called to the Ruston Police Department at 255- 4141, or Crime Stoppers at 255-1111. Tips may also be submitted online at www.rustonlincolncrimestoppers. com, or text “TIP515” to Crimes (274637) to send a text message.

Callers remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward if the information given leads to an arrest or grand jury indictment.