Louisiana State University’s football program has been thrust into the national spotlight after the arrest of one of its most promising recruits, JT Lindsey, on two felony counts of accessory after the fact to second-degree murder. The 18-year-old freshman running back, who had only just arrived in Baton Rouge to begin his collegiate career, now faces a legal battle that could have serious consequences for his future both on and off the field.
According to reports from WAFB and The Advocate, Lindsey turned himself in to LSU Police on Friday, August 8, 2025, following the issuance of an arrest warrant a day earlier. He was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison shortly after 4 p.m. The charges allege that Lindsey allowed two murder suspects, 17-year-old Shemell Jacobs and 18-year-old Keldrick Jordan, to stay in his campus dormitory at the Nicholson Gateway Apartments earlier this year. Both Jacobs and Jordan were wanted in connection with a second-degree murder investigation in Louisiana.
The case broke wide open on August 4, when U.S. Marshals and LSU Police, acting on a tip, located and arrested Jacobs and Jordan inside the Riverbend Building at Nicholson Gateway Apartments. During the arrest, officers reportedly recovered multiple firearms from Lindsey’s room, including two AR-15 rifles, a Draco pistol, and a Glock handgun. Law enforcement has not confirmed whether any of these weapons were linked to the homicide under investigation.
LSU officials responded swiftly to the news, suspending Lindsey from the football team until the charges are resolved. According to The Advocate, Lindsey’s status is now "under review," and the athletic department is closely monitoring the legal proceedings. Historically, LSU has suspended players facing felony charges pending the outcome of their cases, a policy designed to balance due process with the university’s commitment to campus safety.
Lindsey’s attorney, Kris Perret, has been unequivocal in his client’s defense. In a statement provided to WAFB, Perret asserted, “JT Lindsey is adamant that he is innocent of any alleged criminal misconduct and any allegations of wrongdoing against him. He is fully cooperating with authorities and looks forward to clearing his name as quickly as possible. He was unaware that the individuals arrested had committed any crimes or that they had been accused of any crimes, or that they were wanted by the police for questioning when he allowed them to stay at his apartment.” Perret further emphasized, “Had he known that the individuals were accused of any crimes or wanted by the police, he would not have allowed them into his apartment or associated with them in any manner.”
However, the arrest warrant paints a more complicated picture. Citing statements from an unnamed associate, investigators allege that Lindsey was aware that Jacobs and Jordan were wanted for murder prior to their capture. The warrant, as reported by WAFB, states, “Investigators interviewed an associate of Lindsey, who advised that Lindsey has told the associate, prior to their apprehension, that Jacobs and Jordan were wanted for murder.” It further alleges that Lindsey “knowingly harbored and aided” the suspects, a claim that, if substantiated, could significantly undermine the defense’s position.
To understand the gravity of the charges, it’s important to consider Louisiana law regarding accessory after the fact to second-degree murder. This statute applies when a person, knowing that another individual has committed a felony, assists them in evading arrest, trial, conviction, or punishment. The offense is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $500, though sentencing can vary depending on the specifics of the case. Prosecutors must prove that Lindsey knew about the murder charges and took steps to conceal or protect the suspects.
Lindsey’s journey to LSU was one marked by high expectations. As a four-star prospect and the No. 7-ranked running back in the 2025 recruiting cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, he was expected to make an immediate impact for the Tigers. His arrest and subsequent suspension have thrown those plans into doubt, leaving both the football program and its fans in a state of uncertainty.
Beyond the immediate implications for Lindsey and the team, the case has sparked broader concerns about campus security at LSU. The fact that two murder suspects were able to reside in a student dormitory for nearly two weeks without detection has prompted officials to review visitor policies and security protocols. “The safety of our students is paramount,” an LSU Police Department spokesperson told WAFB. “We are taking steps to ensure our housing facilities remain secure and that all visitors are properly vetted.”
The timeline of events underscores the rapid escalation of the situation. Lindsey enrolled at LSU in early 2025 and moved into the Nicholson Gateway Apartments. Authorities allege he became acquainted with Jacobs and Jordan, who were not LSU students. At some point before August 4, Lindsey reportedly allowed them to stay in his dorm room. On August 4, U.S. Marshals and LSU Police arrested Jacobs and Jordan, recovering multiple firearms in the process. By August 7, an arrest warrant had been issued for Lindsey, and he surrendered to police the following day.
As the case moves forward, Lindsey’s legal team is preparing for a bond hearing scheduled for the week of August 11. Prosecutors will determine whether to proceed with the charges based on the evidence collected so far, including witness statements, security footage, and any forensic examination of the firearms. Jacobs and Jordan remain in custody, awaiting trial for second-degree murder. The details of the homicide case itself have not been fully disclosed, as it remains an active investigation.
For Lindsey, the stakes could not be higher. If the charges are upheld, he could face prison time, the end of his football career, and expulsion from LSU. If, however, his defense team can demonstrate that he had no knowledge of the suspects’ alleged crimes, he may yet clear his name and resume his life as a student-athlete. Perret, his attorney, remains confident: “At no time did JT Lindsey do anything, nor take any actions, nor demonstrate any intent whatsoever to harbor, conceal or aid either of the accused and now arrested persons to avoid arrest, apprehension, trial, conviction or punishment for their crimes. He is glad that these individuals were taken into custody by authorities without incident.”
The LSU community now watches and waits, as a high-profile legal case unfolds against the backdrop of a new football season. The outcome will not only shape the future of JT Lindsey, but may also prompt lasting changes in how the university approaches student safety and athlete conduct.
