By Trend News Line 2024-05-17 22:05:00.
**Key Suspects in Murder of Federal Witness Accused of Staged Crashes**
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In a recent federal court hearing, FBI Agent Chauncy Bradley revealed that activity from a pair of “burner” phones led investigators to the alleged killers of Cornelius Garrison, a key government informant in a major investigation into staged crashes involving big rig trucks in the New Orleans area.
**The Tragic Killing of Cornelius Garrison**
Cornelius Garrison, aged 54, had been assisting federal authorities for close to a year in a substantial fraud case when he was fatally shot in front of his mother at his Gentilly doorstep on September 22, 2020. The shocking incident saw him being gunned down with ten bullets, marking a tragic end to his cooperation with the government.
**Accusations Against Ryan Harris and Jovanna Gardner**
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The investigation took a new turn when a five-count indictment was issued against Ryan Harris, 35, and Jovanna Gardner, 39, who are accused of conspiring to murder Garrison. Phone records reportedly pointed towards the duo setting up Garrison before the fatal shooting, as testified by FBI Special Agent Chauncy Bradley during a detention hearing.
**Evidence Uncovered**
The investigation further revealed that Garrison and Harris had collaborated on some staged crashes, a statement corroborated by the FBI. The discovery of texts on Garrison’s phone, allegedly from “Kim,” offering to meet before the murder, along with surveillance footage of Harris at a Family Dollar store purchasing a phone that linked to the texts, provided crucial evidence in the case.
**Federal Prosecution and Allegations**
Both Harris and Gardner now face charges relating to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, witness tampering through murder, retaliation against a witness through murder, and two conspiracy charges linked to the killing. The severity of the allegations and the potential life sentences attached to most charges have raised concerns about the obstruction of justice in the case.
**Ongoing Fraud Investigations**
The indictment against Harris and Gardner comes amidst a broader federal probe into staged crashes involving tractor trailers in New Orleans. Garrison’s untimely demise has been viewed as a setback in the investigation, given his role in providing incriminating information that led to indictments against other co-defendants.
**Challenges in the Case**
While the prosecution argues that Harris’ involvement in staging crashes is evident from recent documents found at his auto shop, his defence maintains that there is no direct evidence linking him to Garrison’s murder. The complexity of the case and the interwoven relationships between the suspects and legal representatives add layers of intrigue to the unfolding legal proceedings.
**Conclusion**
As the investigation into the staged crash scheme and the murder of Cornelius Garrison continues, the case highlights the intricate web of criminal activities and the high stakes involved in federal prosecutions. The quest for justice in the face of obstruction and retaliation remains a daunting challenge for law enforcement authorities..
1. Man accused of killing federal witness
2. Held pending trial.
