ANDREW JAMES PERNELL | ‘I kill ppl’: Man Who Fatally Shot Teen Getting off School Bus and Pointed Finger Guns at Witnesses During Trial Laughed as Guilty Verdict Was Read | Autographed Letter Signed

Andrew Pernell. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Baton Rouge, LA. May 20, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.

In 2021, Andrew James Pernell, a 21-year-old from Angie, Louisiana, embarked on a violent crime spree that culminated in the murder of 18-year-old Aaron Brown. Pernell's actions included multiple shootings, including drive-by attacks on homes and individuals. His courtroom demeanor, marked by mocking gestures and laughter upon conviction, shocked observers. Ultimately, he was found guilty of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, and assault by drive-by shooting, leading to a mandatory life sentence. This case underscores the devastating impact of senseless violence and the importance of a justice system that holds individuals accountable for their actions.

Finger Guns and Fatal Shots: The Chilling Crimes of Andrew James Pernell

Basic Information:

Andrew James Pernell, born in 2003 in Angie, Louisiana, is currently incarcerated following his conviction for a series of violent crimes committed in 2021. His criminal record includes convictions for second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, and assault by drive-by shooting. These convictions stem from a violent crime spree that resulted in the death of a teenager and injuries to others.

Background:

Details about Pernell's early life, family background, education, and employment history are limited in public records. However, it is known that he resided in Angie, Louisiana, a small town in Washington Parish. There is no publicly available information about his known associates or affiliations prior to the crimes committed in 2021.

Criminal Activity:

On August 23, 2021, Pernell, accompanied by two other individuals, drove through Bogalusa, Louisiana, and fatally shot 18-year-old Aaron Brown as he walked home from school after getting off the school bus. Brown, a Bogalusa High School senior, was shot multiple times in broad daylight. This act marked the beginning of a violent crime spree.

On September 15, 2021, Pernell fired nearly two dozen shots at a residence occupied by three children and a bedridden woman. Miraculously, no injuries were reported, but the property sustained significant damage. Less than a week later, he shot a 13-year-old boy who had just exited a school bus; the boy survived. Pernell was apprehended after a police chase, during which he crashed his vehicle and attempted to discard a firearm later found to contain his DNA.

Text messages retrieved from Pernell's phone revealed chilling communications with co-defendant Matthew Kennedy, discussing weapon purchases and plotting murders. In one message, Pernell stated, "I kill ppl," and in another, he mentioned needing "a body" for his AR-15.

Legal Proceedings:

Pernell was arrested following a police chase in which he crashed his vehicle and attempted to discard a firearm that was later found to contain his DNA. He was charged with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, and assault by drive-by shooting. The trial commenced on June 24, 2024, in Washington Parish, Louisiana. After five days of testimony, the jury deliberated for just 27 minutes before returning guilty verdicts on all charges. During the trial, Pernell exhibited disruptive behavior, including making obscene gestures toward a juvenile witness and mimicking shooting another witness with finger guns. He laughed as the guilty verdicts were read. Sentencing is scheduled for September 5, 2024, where he faces a mandatory life sentence.

Impact on Victims and Society:

The primary victim, Aaron Brown, was an 18-year-old high school senior whose life was tragically cut short. The 13-year-old boy who was shot survived but endured physical and psychological trauma. The residents of the home targeted in the drive-by shooting, including children and a bedridden woman, were left traumatized by the attack. The community of Bogalusa was shaken by the violence, leading to increased concerns about public safety and discussions on preventive measures.

Current Status:

As of now, Andrew James Pernell is incarcerated, awaiting sentencing scheduled for September 5, 2024. He faces a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole. There is no public information regarding any rehabilitation efforts or appeals filed on his behalf. Given the severity of his crimes and the life sentence, he is not considered a future threat to society.

Conclusion:

The case of Andrew James Pernell serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of senseless violence on individuals and communities. It underscores the importance of early intervention, community engagement, and effective law enforcement to prevent such tragedies. The swift legal proceedings and the jury's decisive verdict reflect society's commitment to justice and the protection of its citizens.

Additional Note:

Given the notoriety of Andrew James Pernell's crimes and his current incarceration, any autographed items by him would be extremely rare. Such items might hold value for collectors of true crime memorabilia due to their scarcity and the infamy associated with his case.

VIDEO: Angie man found guilty of 2021 ‘violent crime spree’ | https://youtu.be/QiTy8yZaTaE

Archiving Protocol:

• Handled with White Gloves ab initio

• Photo Pages/Sheet Protectors: Heavyweight Clear Sheet Protectors, Acid Free & Archival Safe, 8.5 × 11, Top Load

• White Backing Board—Acid Free

Shipping/Packaging: Rigid Mailer 9.5 × 12.5. The Kraft cardboard is white, self-seal, and stay-flat, ensuring it does not bend. Heavy cardboard, which has strong resistance to bending and tearing, makes each rigid mailer sturdy. These mailers are significantly thicker than those used by the USPS. Shipping cost is never more than it absolutely has to be to get it from me to you.