Investigators in central Louisiana say human remains recovered in Boyce are preliminarily tied to a man who went missing earlier this month, and two suspects have been charged with second-degree murder.
Search, discovery and charges
Police in Alexandria said detectives and partner agencies searched a scene near the intersection of Christine Drive and Moss Point Drive and discovered remains in the 100 block of Christine Drive. Officials said an autopsy is pending to conclusively identify the remains, which preliminary evidence links to 22-year-old JaKobey Kahey, who was reported missing on July 5.
The case, initially handled as a missing person investigation, was upgraded earlier this week to a suspected homicide. That change in classification followed arrests in Alexandria; authorities have charged two men with second-degree murder.
Suspects and military connection
One of the suspects has been identified as Pfc. Taylor Jenkins, 20, a soldier stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. Fort Hood officials said Jenkins is assigned to the 418th Transportation Company, 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and that he entered the Army on Oct. 29, 2024, with a military occupational specialty listed as 88M (motor transport operator). The other person charged is named Daviyone Mock, 25.
Fort Hood leaders emphasized that civilian authorities retain jurisdiction over the criminal case and that the Army is cooperating with the investigation. Officials said Jenkins' unit has been informed and will support law enforcement as needed.
“This was a horrific crime that shook our entire community, and from the very beginning our detectives refused to give up,”
Alexandria Police Chief Chad Gremillion credited investigators from the Alexandria Police Department and the Louisiana State Police for their work in the case.
Local impact and next steps
The discovery and the pending autopsy will be critical to confirming the victim’s identity and establishing cause and manner of death. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing; prosecutors and police have not yet disclosed whether bond has been set for either suspect. The military has deferred to civilian authorities for details on charges and legal actions.
- Victim: Preliminary evidence indicates remains belong to JaKobey Kahey, 22 (reported missing July 5).
- Suspects: Pfc. Taylor Jenkins, 20 (Fort Hood soldier) and Daviyone Mock, 25.
- Charges: Both men charged with second-degree murder; investigation ongoing.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location of recovery | 100 block of Christine Drive, near Moss Point Drive, Boyce |
| Autopsy | Pending to confirm identity |
| Military unit | 418th Transportation Company, 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command |
For residents of Rapides Parish the case has reverberated beyond the immediate neighborhoods involved. Homicides and violent crimes involving service members prompt scrutiny of how military and civilian authorities coordinate investigations. In this instance, Fort Hood officials publicly stated they will follow the lead of local law enforcement while providing cooperation.
As prosecutors and investigators prepare next steps, the community will be watching for the autopsy results and any court filings that clarify the evidence behind the murder charges. News Block will continue to follow developments and report confirmed new information as it becomes available.
