News Summary
Cold case detectives in Shreveport are re-examining the unsolved murder of Jim Leslie, a key figure in a local corruption case. Nearly 50 years after his death, new potential leads involving a convicted hit man are stirring hope for justice. Leslie’s murder remains a dark chapter in the intersection of public corruption and organized crime in the area. As authorities intensify their investigation, the community is hopeful for resolution in a case that has long haunted local law enforcement.
Shreveport – Cold case detectives in Shreveport have renewed efforts to solve the nearly 50-year-old murder of Jim Leslie, a pivotal witness in a corruption case against a powerful local law enforcement officer, George D’Artois. Leslie was murdered on July 9, 1976, just hours after the Louisiana Legislature passed right-to-work legislation, an initiative he ardently promoted. The case, which has remained unsolved for decades, is now receiving fresh scrutiny amid new developments.
At the center of this revivified investigation is Larry Thompson, an 81-year-old convicted hit man who has confessed to four murders and is in failing health. Thompson has indicated a willingness to provide information about Leslie’s murder in exchange for leniency for his imprisoned son, Neal Thompson. However, federal prosecutor, acting U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook, has expressed strong skepticism about Thompson’s motives and has called for specific details before considering any potential deal.
Jim Leslie was shot and killed outside his hotel room in Baton Rouge, a murder that has perplexed law enforcement for years. Multiple investigations have struggled with challenges such as interagency conflicts and a stark lack of compelling evidence. A significant suspect in Leslie’s murder, Rusty Griffith, was killed just three months later, complicating the investigation further. Although George D’Artois was indicted for Leslie’s murder, the case ultimately fell apart due to insufficient evidence, and no one has ever been convicted.
Caddo Sheriff Henry Whitehorn has assembled a cold case team specifically focused on unresolved homicides, including the murder of Jim Leslie. The renewed attention to Leslie’s case is part of a broader effort in Shreveport to address longstanding unsolved crimes. Acting U.S. Attorney Van Hook, who has been involved in the complexities of Thompson’s case for over twenty years, has significantly criticized Thompson, labeling his demands as akin to “blackmail.”
Leslie was widely recognized for his talents in creative advertising and was known as a gifted executive within the industry. His murder not only cut short his life but also drew attention to the vulnerabilities within the intersection of public corruption and organized crime in Shreveport. Elliott Stonecipher, a close friend of Leslie, has persistently advocated for renewed investigations into the case. He has voiced skepticism concerning Thompson’s relevance to Leslie’s murder, suggesting that the truth remains obscured.
The legacy of Jim Leslie’s murder continues to evoke discussions surrounding the power dynamics in Shreveport’s historical corruption scandals. As detectives push forward in their new inquiries, there remains a hope within the community that long-overdue justice may finally be served for an event that has cast a long shadow over local law enforcement integrity.
In summary, the renewed investigation into Jim Leslie’s murder represents both a culmination of decades of challenges faced by law enforcement and a renewed commitment to resolve a case that has haunted Shreveport for generations. As new leads surface, the public remains hopeful for clarity and justice in a case that remains a significant chapter in the city’s history.
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Additional Resources
- KTBS: Jim Leslie Homicide Cold Case
- Wikipedia: Jim Leslie (murder case)
- Eastern Progress: Woman Killed in Suspected Hit-and-Run
- Google Search: Shreveport hit-and-run
- KTBS: Shreveport Man Arrested in Domestic Violence Case
- Google Scholar: Shreveport domestic violence
- Shreveport Times: Staffers Slain Over the Years
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shreveport history
- Rose-Neath: James A. Parker Obituary
- Google News: James A Parker obituary
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
