by Wesley Harris
Grambling State University confirmed Friday afternoon that the institution’s police chief and assistant police chief resigned Thursday.
A statement released Friday said, “Grambling State University can confirm that Chief Rodney Demery and Assistant Chief of Police Joshua Feliciano have submitted their resignations. The University is grateful for their service to Grambling State University and their contributions in support of the campus community.
“As these are personnel matters, the University will not comment on the circumstances surrounding their departures.”
The statement said Lt. Everette D. Lewis, operations and event commander for the GSU Police is now serving as acting police chief.
“Lt. Lewis has served the department with dedication and brings valuable operational experience, institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to the Grambling State community,” the statement continued. “University Police operations and campus safety services continue without interruption.”
Chief Demery, well known among Louisiana and national law enforcement professionals, is a former Shreveport Police homicide detective. A criminal justice graduate of LSU, Demery joined GSU with a mandate to improve safety on the campus of 5,000 students.
Demery was the host of two true-crime television series. He received acclaim for two books, “Things My Daughters Need to Know” and “No Place for Race.”
Demery and Feliciano were hired by GSU in 2022.
The resignations come one day after GSU’s Student Government Association president was arrested by university police for third degree rape. However, GSU authorities said the resignations were unrelated to the arrest.
Life Kundayi Makarudze, 23, was arrested Wednesday on a warrant obtained by GSU Police. No details about the crime have been released but the fact GSU Police investigated the report and obtained the warrant indicates the alleged offense occurred on campus.
In a second statement from GSU, Deputy Chief of Staff Adarian Williams said:
“Grambling State University is aware that a student has been arrested in connection with an active legal matter. Because the case is ongoing, the University will not speculate on the circumstances or comment on details that remain subject to the legal process.
“The student has temporarily stepped away from his SGA duties, and interim leadership is in place in accordance with SGA governing procedures. The University has communicated directly with the campus community regarding the leadership transition and available support resources.
“The safety and well-being of our students remain among Grambling State University’s highest priorities. The University maintains established resources for students who may need assistance or wish to report a concern, including Title IX, counseling, student support, and public safety resources.”
Makarudze remains in custody at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
