Quainnesha Paul, 18, died from a gunshot wound in the early hours of April 14, 2020, at her home on Lake Sherwood Avenue in Baton Rouge. Initial reports said she had shot herself, but the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office determined the wound was to her upper back and ruled the manner of death a homicide, contradicting the first account.

Following the autopsy, police arrested a 22-year-old relative, Keagan Valdry, who was booked on a negligent homicide charge and pleaded not guilty. He was released on a $10,000 bond as the case moved through the courts; the record in later filings shows continuances and procedural activity.

The case raises questions about how the scene was initially described and what led the coroner to conclude the death was a homicide. If anyone knew Quainnesha or has information about that night on Lake Sherwood Avenue, please come forward.