Introduction
If you’ve searched “la tech stabbing” to understand exactly what happened at Louisiana Tech University, who was involved, and where the court case sits today, this plain‑English guide is for you. Below, you’ll find a clear timeline, confirmed charges, the latest legal status, resources for students, and quick FAQs—all built to meet Google’s Helpful Content guidelines (read: people-first, sourced, and easy to scan). https://www.knoe.comhttps://www.knoe.comlatech.edulsp.orgAP NewsAP Newslatech.eduLouisiana Illuminatorrustonleader.com
A quick summary
- Date of attack: November 13, 2023, outside the Lambright Sports & Wellness Center on Louisiana Tech’s Ruston campus. latech.eduAP News
- Victims: Four women were stabbed; one victim, Annie Richardson, died. AP Newshttps://www.ksla.comLouisiana Illuminator
- Suspect: Jacoby Johnson, then a senior Tech student. latech.eduhttps://www.knoe.com
- Charges (current): One count of second-degree murder and three counts of attempted second-degree murder. https://www.knoe.com
- Legal status (as of Feb. 2025): Johnson was deemed fit to stand trial; a trial date was set after a series of competency and mental-health evaluations and appeals. https://www.knoe.comrustonleader.comhttps://www.kalb.com
- Lead investigators: Louisiana State Police later assumed the lead in the investigation. lsp.org
Timeline: From the attack to today
November 13, 2023 — The stabbing on campus
Shortly after 9 a.m., four women were stabbed outside the Lambright Sports & Wellness Center. The suspect fled toward the main campus but was apprehended quickly by campus police. The university confirmed the incident and said counseling would be available. latech.eduAP NewsLouisiana Illuminator
November 13, 2023 — Initial charges
Louisiana Tech said Jacoby Johnson was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center and charged with four counts of attempted second-degree murder. The investigation continued. latech.edu
November 15–16, 2023 — One victim dies; state police take over
One of the four women, Annie Richardson, died from her injuries. Louisiana State Police were later asked to take the lead on the investigation. AP Newslsp.org
December 21, 2023 — Grand jury indictments
A grand jury indicted Johnson on one count of second-degree murder and three counts of attempted second-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty. https://www.knoe.comhttps://www.knoe.com
2024 — Competency questions and sanity appeal
Court records show a sanity/competency appeal and mental-health evaluations stretched through 2024, complicating and delaying the path to trial. rustonleader.comhttps://www.kalb.com
February 11, 2025 — Fit to stand trial
After extended treatment and evaluations, Johnson was declared fit to stand trial, and a trial date was set. https://www.knoe.com
Key questions people ask about the LA Tech stabbing
1) Who is the suspect?
Jacoby Johnson, a senior at Louisiana Tech at the time of the incident. latech.edu
2) What are the exact charges?
One count of second-degree murder and three counts of attempted second-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty. https://www.knoe.comhttps://www.knoe.com
3) Who was the victim who died?
Annie Richardson, remembered by friends and family as a beloved artist, pilot, and volunteer firefighter. https://www.ksla.com
4) Is the trial over?
No. As of February 2025, Johnson was deemed competent and set to stand trial. Check your local news or court records for any updates that may have occurred after this article’s last update (July 26, 2025). https://www.knoe.com
5) How did campus and state police respond?
Campus police detained the suspect within minutes, and the Louisiana State Police later took over the investigation. latech.edulsp.org
6) What support was offered to the Louisiana Tech community?
The university stated it would keep campus open and provide counseling for those affected. latech.eduLouisiana Illuminator
Safety takeaways for students & campuses
While no checklist can prevent every tragedy, campuses and students can reduce risk by:
- Knowing emergency numbers (campus police, local police, health center) and saving them in your phone. (Louisiana Tech students can check the university’s official safety pages for updated contacts.) latech.edu
- Opting into campus alert systems so you receive real-time texts or emails. latech.edu
- Moving in groups at night and letting friends know your route. (Simple, but effective.)
- Reporting threatening behavior early. Most campuses have anonymous reporting tools.
- Using on-campus escorts or shuttles when available.
(General best-practice advice; always follow your school’s official guidance.)
How this article meets Google’s Helpful Content guidance
- People-first: We explain what happened, why it matters, and what’s next, in plain English.
- Up-to-date & sourced: We include the most recent publicly reported legal status (February 2025) and link to official statements and reputable outlets. https://www.knoe.comhttps://www.knoe.comlatech.edulsp.orgAP NewsAP Newslatech.eduLouisiana Illuminatorrustonleader.com
- Transparent about dates: We tell you exactly when events occurred and when this post was last updated.
- E-E-A-T signals: We cite local outlets, the university, and state police, and we separate facts from general safety advice.
Conclusion
The LA Tech stabbing left a deep scar on the Ruston community. Since November 13, 2023, the case has moved through indictments, competency questions, and—most recently—a finding that the suspect is fit to stand trial in February 2025. We’ll continue to watch the docket; if you’re a student, alum, or parent, bookmark official university and state police updates for the most reliable, real-time information. https://www.knoe.comlsp.org
FAQs (quick recap)
Q: When did the LA Tech stabbing happen?
A: November 13, 2023. latech.eduAP News
Q: How many victims were there?
A: Four women were stabbed; one, Annie Richardson, died. AP Newshttps://www.ksla.comLouisiana Illuminator
Q: What are the charges?
A: One count of second-degree murder and three counts of attempted second-degree murder. https://www.knoe.com
Q: What’s the latest on the case?
A: As of February 11, 2025, the suspect was ruled competent and set to stand trial. https://www.knoe.com
Q: Who’s leading the investigation?
A: Louisiana State Police assumed the lead shortly after the attack. lsp.org