A West Monroe man has been arrested in connection to a body found in Catahoula Parish. On January 24, 2024 the Catahoula Parish Sheriff's Office received a report of a body floating in the Ouachita River near Poole Road. Responding deputies recovered the remains, which were found to be only a torso with no head or extremities. The body was sent for autopsy, and the findings led to the case being classified as a homicide.
During the investigation, the remains were positively identified through DNA testing. The remains were identified as being Sheryl M. Turner, a nineteen-year-old black female whose last known address was in New Iberia, LA. Through forensic data, it was later determined the victim engaged in a romantic relationship over text message with someone from West Monroe. From statements given by Turner’s family, she left New Iberia to stay with a person she met online. Turner’s last known location was later determined to be a residence in West Monroe.
On April 19, 2024, the West Monroe Police Department took a lead investigating role in this matter. Through forensic data and surveillance, the suspect was positively identified as Anthony Pierce Holland Jr. On April 23, 2024, search warrants were executed at Holland’s home, and he was taken into custody without incident.
During the search warrants at Holland’s home, forensic evidence of a crime of violence was obtained. During subsequent interviews with Holland, he admitted to killing Turner inside his residence. Holland further stated he dismembered the body of Turner inside his home. Holland stated he placed Turner’s dismembered remains into a body of water that fed into the Ouachita River.
Holland was later booked at the Ouachita Correctional Center for one count of Second-Degree Murder by true warrant.