Three Second-Degree Murder Trials Set for East Baton Rouge Judges

Defendants accused in separate incidents involving a pregnant woman's death, a wife's stabbing, and a shooting

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

East Baton Rouge Parish judges are presiding over three separate second-degree murder trials on Monday. The cases involve the death of a pregnant woman, the stabbing of a wife, and a shooting that left one person dead and another injured.

Why it matters

These high-profile murder trials highlight the ongoing challenges the criminal justice system faces in addressing violent crime in the Baton Rouge area. The cases also raise questions about factors that may have contributed to the alleged crimes, such as domestic disputes, mistaken identity, and interpersonal conflicts.

The details

In the first case, five people were accused after Kerisha Johnson, a 36-year-old pregnant woman, was found dead in her car following a shooting at a "teen party" on North Carrollton Avenue in 2023. Torey Campbell is on trial for Johnson's murder, while three others have entered guilty pleas, and the state has requested a separate trial for one of Campbell's co-defendants. In the second case, Michael Vallery is accused of stabbing his wife, Stephanie Vallery, to death at their home in Village St. George in 2018. Authorities say Stephanie was planning to divorce Michael when the alleged incident occurred. In the third case, Joel Johnson is accused of killing Byron Irving and shooting at a woman in 2024, shortly after a fight. The woman claimed Johnson took her phone as she was calling 911 and offered her $2,000 not to report the incident.

  • The three second-degree murder trials are taking place on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • Kerisha Johnson's death occurred in 2023.
  • Stephanie Vallery's murder took place in 2018.
  • The shooting involving Byron Irving and the unnamed woman occurred in 2024.

The players

Torey Campbell

One of the five people accused in the death of Kerisha Johnson, a 36-year-old pregnant woman, in 2023.

Michael Vallery

Accused of stabbing his wife, Stephanie Vallery, to death at their home in Village St. George in 2018.

Joel Johnson

Accused of killing Byron Irving and shooting at a woman in 2024, shortly after a fight.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

These three second-degree murder trials underscore the ongoing challenges the Baton Rouge criminal justice system faces in addressing violent crime, including domestic disputes, mistaken identity, and interpersonal conflicts. The outcomes of these trials will likely have significant implications for the victims' families, the defendants, and the broader community.