In a remarkable turn of events, law enforcement in Baton Rouge has successfully utilized advanced AI technology to make an arrest in the decade-old murder case of seven-year-old Terrez Coleman. The breakthrough came after years of investigative work, culminating in the identification of Rashad Turner as the prime suspect.
Key Takeaways
- AI technology played a crucial role in solving a cold case from 2014.
- Rashad Turner was arrested after being linked to the crime scene through digital footprints.
- The case highlights the potential of AI in modern law enforcement.
Background of the Case
The tragic murder of Terrez Coleman occurred in 2014 when he was shot while sitting in a car. Despite extensive investigations, the case went cold due to a lack of solid evidence. The only clues available were shell casings and a grainy surveillance image of a vehicle.
For years, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office pursued leads, but progress was slow. In 2017, Turner emerged as a suspect when detectives matched a gun found in his vehicle to the shell casings from the crime scene. However, the evidence was insufficient for an arrest, as the gun had been reported stolen.
The Role of AI Technology
The turning point in the investigation came in February 2025, when law enforcement agencies employed a new AI tool known as CyberCheck. This innovative technology utilizes open-source intelligence to create a narrative representation of events surrounding a crime. It analyzes a suspect’s digital footprint, or "Cyber DNA," to establish their whereabouts during the time of the crime.
In Turner’s case, CyberCheck was able to link his email and phone number to locations within a mile of the shooting scene, providing crucial evidence that had previously eluded investigators.
The Arrest
Following the new findings, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office moved swiftly to arrest Turner. The spokesperson for the department, Casey Hicks, emphasized the importance of the case, stating, "Terrez has never been forgotten, and this is one of those cases that I think stuck with all of us at the sheriff’s office."
Turner, who was a college student at the time of the shooting, had previously pleaded guilty to illegal possession of stolen property in connection with the gun found in his vehicle. He served less than two years in jail for that offense.
Implications for Law Enforcement
This case underscores the transformative potential of AI technology in law enforcement. As agencies continue to adopt advanced tools like CyberCheck, the ability to solve cold cases and enhance public safety is significantly improved. The integration of AI not only aids in identifying suspects but also streamlines investigative processes, allowing law enforcement to focus on solving crimes more efficiently.
As technology evolves, the future of crime-solving may increasingly rely on digital intelligence, offering hope for families seeking justice in unresolved cases. The successful application of AI in Terrez Coleman’s case serves as a powerful example of how innovation can lead to breakthroughs in the pursuit of justice.
Sources
- New AI technology lead to arrest in decade-old killing of seven-year-old, WBRZ.
- This website is unavailable in your location. – WFTV, WFTV.
