It took Monroe Police a very short time to make an arrest in connection with the killings of three people, including a two-year-old girl.
“Less than eight hours after the time of this tragedy, we have a prime suspect in jail with more to come,” announced Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan.
Travis Payton, 24, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, home invasion and criminal conspiracy.
Along with the toddler, Payton is accused of killing Jamal Bosley, 27; and Jaborris Simpson, 25.
Zordan says the investigation remains ongoing, so he’s urging people to use judgment before spreading information on social media.
“Sharing speculation and inaccurate information, especially online, can seriously impede our ability to bring all involved to justice,” says Chief Zordan.
Zordan says this is not Payton’s first offense by any means, and he should never have been in a position to kill these people in the first place.
“Payton has 11 prior arrests and three convictions,” Zordan says. “He was sentenced over 15 years, but served just less than three. If he had served his sentence, he would have still been in jail, unable to commit this crime.”
Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis says tragedies like this is a big reason why the system needs to change.
“Time and time again, we continue to see people who push poison and violence upon our communities, and it’s time for accountability,” says Mayor Ellis. “And it’s time for the justice system to work this time and put bad people away.”
