A tragic incident has sparked a legal battle in Louisiana, where a grieving mother seeks justice for her son. Carlette Williams filed a complaint on November 24, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against Sergeant Javier Molinary and other officials from Avoyelles Parish. The lawsuit arises from the fatal shooting of her unarmed son, Howard Williams, by an Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Sergeant.
The complaint paints a harrowing picture of events that unfolded on November 25, 2024. According to Carlette Williams, her son was shot without justification by Sergeant Molinary while standing near a vehicle with friends in Marksville, Louisiana. The young man had recently graduated high school and was preparing for his evening shift at Walmart when he was approached by Molinary in plainclothes. The sergeant allegedly exited his unmarked truck with his gun drawn and aimed it at the group without adequate identification or explanation. As Howard Williams attempted to back away and call his mother, he was fatally shot in the head.
Carlette Williams accuses the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office of unconstitutional practices that disproportionately target African Americans. She alleges that Sheriff David Dauzat and Captain Reggie Sanders sanctioned policies allowing violent arrests and excessive force. The complaint highlights systemic issues within the department, citing past incidents involving excessive force against Black individuals.
Williams’ legal team argues that these practices violate the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. They claim that the defendants acted under color of law when they deprived Howard Williams of his constitutional rights through excessive force. The suit is brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, which allows individuals to sue for constitutional violations.
The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief from the court, including compensatory damages exceeding $75,000 for wrongful death and emotional distress suffered by Howard’s family. Additionally, punitive damages are sought to address what is described as willful and reckless conduct by the defendants. Equitable relief is also requested to compel policy changes within the sheriff’s office to prevent future misconduct.
Representing Carlette Williams are attorneys Eli J. Hare from DiCello Levitt LLP in Birmingham, Alabama; Kenneth P. Abbarno, Robert F. DiCello, Joseph T. Frate, Jordyn A. Parks from DiCello Levitt LLP in Mentor, Ohio; Marvin Agumagu and Gabrielle Higgins from Ben Crump Law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida—all working pro hac vice for this case pending approval.
The case is being overseen by an unnamed judge under Case ID: 1:25-cv-01859.
Source: 125cv01859_Carlette_Williams_v_Sergeant_Javier_Complaint_Western_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
