On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, WBRZ reported that Louisiana Judge Louise Hines has been recused from presiding over a high-profile murder case involving Gervea Ferguson, who is accused of second-degree murder.
The recusal stems from Hines’ prior prosecution of another gang member while serving as an assistant district attorney. Hines previously served as a prosecutor for the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s office in 2022.
According to court documents, Hines previously prosecuted Demetryion Grim, Ferguson’s brother, in 2022 for a gang-related shooting outside the Mall of Louisiana. The motion for recusal argues that it would be impossible for Hines to disregard her prior involvement and knowledge of related gang activity, given the state’s reasoning to link the case to previous streams of violence throughout the city. The motion stated that the Judge can’t “unsee” what she has previously investigated.
Ferguson was indicted along with three other individuals for the 2024 killing of Jonathan William. WBRZ has previously reported that Ferguson is connected to the “Vultures” gang.
Judge Collette Greggs signed the order for recusal, and Judge Don Johnson will now oversee the case. Court proceedings are scheduled to continue at the end of January, with a trial date set for May.
Source: WBRZ
