Spreading Joy: Annual Victim Resource Christmas Party Brings Hope to Families

The East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office hosted its annual Victim Resource Christmas Party on Wednesday, December 18th, outside the River Center Branch Library in downtown Baton Rouge. This cherished tradition brought holiday cheer to the children and family members of crime victims, reminding us all of the power of community and compassion during the holiday season.

With Santa Claus himself making a special appearance to deliver gifts, the event was filled with smiles, laughter, and heartfelt moments. District Attorney Hillar Moore reflected on the significance of the event, saying, “This season is a time of joy and love, but it can also be a reminder of loss and hardship for many. Our Office, in collaboration with community partners, has come together to provide resources and toys to bring smiles and hope as the year comes to a close.”

This year, the event was made possible through the generosity of community supporters, including Dr. Gunjan Raina, Moffatt & Nichol, and Turner Industries. Their contributions helped ensure the success of the celebration and provided meaningful support to families in need.

Beyond the gift distribution, attendees had access to valuable information on victims’ rights and community resources, further emphasizing the District Attorney’s commitment to supporting families during challenging times.

We are grateful to everyone who played a role in making this event a success and look forward to continuing this tradition of hope and giving in the years to come.

Saving Aziz Fundraiser Recap

The East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office is proud to play a role in the national effort to support Afghan prosecutors and legal professionals who face grave danger following the Taliban’s return to power. District Attorney Hillar Moore recently traveled to Turkey to work alongside the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (APA) and international partners, strategizing ways to safely relocate these brave individuals and their families.

These prosecutors dedicated their lives to upholding justice under the rule of law, often at great personal risk, and our office is committed to ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten. By participating in this important mission, we aim to honor their contributions and uphold the principles of justice and humanity that connect us all.

For more info: 

Annual Christmas Gift Giveaway

Our Office, in partnership with Truce, hosted its Annual Christmas Gift Giveaway, spreading joy and holiday cheer to pre-identified children of local crime victims.

The success of this festive event was made possible through the thoughtful contributions of toys and items donated by Heal 360, led by Dr. Gunja Raina, and moffat & nichol, alongside generous individuals in the community. District Attorney Hillar Moore expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, “This event is a true testament to the spirit of community collaboration. We are deeply thankful for the contributions from companies that have joined us in spreading joy to these deserving children.”

As the holiday season approached, Jeff LeDuff, Truce Board Chair, underscored the significance of extending happiness and support to those facing challenges. “On behalf of Truce, the Truce Board, our Executive Director, and Counselor, we are blessed to share the joy of the Christmas season with those in our community who may need a little assistance in making Christmas special for their children,” remarked LeDuff.

The event, held on the 6th floor of City Hall on Thursday, December 21 at 11 am, marked a significant moment of generosity and community spirit. While the event was not open to the public, the focus remained on creating a magical experience for the children who had been pre-identified, named, and personally shopped for.

This successful gathering reaffirms the commitment of the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office and Truce to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need, embodying the true spirit of the holiday season.

Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (APA) seek support in saving the lives of prosecutors in Afghanistan.

The East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney, Hillar Moore, is actively involved in rescue efforts for Afghanistan prosecutors who are targeted by criminals released by the Taliban. Moore, after a meeting in Turkey with the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, highlighted the urgent need to rescue judges, defense lawyers, and others educated under the U.S. justice system, along with their families, as they face imminent danger. The DA’s office, in collaboration with the PFP Association, has raised $50,000, aiming to save five families, while emphasizing the necessity to secure visas and extricate over 3,000 individuals at risk in Pakistan and Iraq.

 

Taking Back the Night: A Stand Against Domestic Violence

Assistant District Attorney Melanie Fields was the keynote speaker at the Beta Alpha Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.’s 2023 “Take Back the Night & Candlelight Vigil.” This event, held at Southern University, was a poignant part of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month initiative. It provided a powerful platform for survivors to share their stories and raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence.

The evening’s activities included a Take Back the Night march and a solemn candlelight vigil. It was a moving event, featuring survivors who courageously shared their experiences, a soul-stirring performance by one of the sorority sisters, and a heartfelt poem recited by an alum in memory of those who lost their lives to domestic violence in the past year. The march through the campus symbolized unity in the fight against dating and domestic violence and sexual assault, aligning with the standard “Take Back the Night” events that occur on college campuses nationwide. Assistant District Attorney Melanie Fields’ participation served as a beacon of support for those affected by domestic violence, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and awareness in the ongoing battle to eliminate this pervasive issue. By providing a platform for survivors to be heard and uniting in the cause, this event showcased the power of collective action in addressing domestic violence and fostering a safer future for all.

Taking Back the Night for Domestic Violence Awareness

Assistant District Attorney Melanie Fields was the keynote speaker at the Beta Alpha Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.’s “Take Back the Night & Candlelight Vigil.” This event, held at Southern University, was a poignant part of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month initiative. It provided a powerful platform for survivors to share their stories and raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence.

The evening’s activities included a Take Back the Night march and a solemn candlelight vigil. It was a moving event, featuring survivors who courageously shared their experiences, a soul-stirring performance by one of the sorority sisters, and a heartfelt poem recited by an alum in memory of those who lost their lives to domestic violence in the past year. The march through the campus symbolized unity in the fight against dating and domestic violence and sexual assault, aligning with the standard “Take Back the Night” events that occur on college campuses nationwide. Assistant District Attorney Melanie Fields’ participation served as a beacon of support for those affected by domestic violence, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and awareness in the ongoing battle to eliminate this pervasive issue. By providing a platform for survivors to be heard and uniting in the cause, this event showcased the power of collective action in addressing domestic violence and fostering a safer future for all.

New criminal justice data tool launches in East Baton Rouge

A new criminal justice data tool – Commons – has launched with data from the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s (EBRDA) Office. The data dashboard, which was created by the nonprofit organization Measures for Justice, in partnership with the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, makes accurate, local criminal justice data available to the East Baton Rouge Parish public and tracks policy goals set by the D.A.’s office and community leaders.

'Chances,' a film about life after gun violence, premieres to a sold-out crowd!

Filmmaker Scott Sullivan developed the film project and partnered with DA Moore and our office. The film, based on real accounts, will also be part of a curriculum our office will deploy in 2024.

    The Louisiana Narcotics Officers Association selects DA Moore as Prosecutor of the Year.

    Other award winners at the annual conference include:

    • Brian Holiday, Narcotics Investigator of the Year
    • Enoch Sims, Supervisor of the Year
    • Chris Green, K9 Handler of the Year

    EBRDA's Office Submits Public Records Request Regarding Death Row Clemency Applications

    Over 50 applications for commutation have recently been filed, including several related to East Baton Rouge Parish cases.

    To ensure transparency and access to vital information, our office has submitted a public records request seeking records and details pertaining to these commutation applications.  Read the full release below

    Recent Media

    On Air with Hillar Moore (Brian Haldane)
    District Attorney Hillar Moore discusses the rising homicide rates in East Baton Rouge Parish, noting a 10% increase in 2024 with 113 homicides. He highlights the historical context, comparing current numbers to past years, particularly the peak during COVID-19. Moore emphasizes the concentration of homicides in specific ZIP codes, such as 70802 and 70805, and the need for targeted interventions.
    On Air with Hillar Moore (Brian Haldane)
    District Attorney Hillar Moore joins the show to share about a recent fundraiser aimed at supporting Afghans left behind. He highlighted the community’s efforts to provide aid and the importance of continuing support for those affected by the crisis.
    On Air with Hillar Moore (Brian Haldane)
    District Attorney Hillar Moore is writing a wrong in the wake of our departure from Afghanistan
    On Air with Hillar Moore (Brian Haldane)
    On Air with Hillar Moore (Brian Haldane)
    How Can District Attorney Hillar Moore Help Solve An International Problem?
    On Air with Hillar Moore (Brian Haldane)
    On Air with Hillar Moore (Brian Haldane)
    Clay Young  Show
    On Air with Hillar Moore (Brian Haldane)
    On Air with Hillar Moore (Brian Haldane)
    On Air with Hillar Moore (Brian Haldane)
    On Air with Hillar Moore (Brian Haldane)
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Talk Louisiana (Jim Engster)
     
    Skip to content