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BEAUMONT — A Jefferson County grand jury has indicted Jovan Keveaun Neveaux for the murder of Jaylon Howard during a home invasion robbery.

In addition, 19-year-old Chante Grogan, who police say is the mother of the children of one of the murder suspects, was indicted for hindering apprehension for reportedly hiding Neveaux.

On April 15 at 10:22 p.m., police responded to Valley View Estates, 501 Twin City Highway, in reference to a home invasion with a shooting victim.

Police found Howard, 26, who died at the scene from a gunshot wound. According to the probable cause affidavit, the victim was shot during the robbery.

Police said the front door of the apartment was forced open and several individuals entered the residence, they were wearing dark clothing, masked and armed with firearms.

They reportedly demanded Howard and a second robbery victim give them property and money. One of the people in the apartment recognized one of the suspects as Neveaux, 20, of Port Arthur who is known as Cocomo.

Neveaux was recognized by his eyes and hair that was in dreads on top of his head with a hoodie pulled over and that Neveaux’s mask only came up to his nose.

A witness told police Neveaux was seen at approximately 7 p.m. that night in the company of another person who is possibly involved and noticed they were in a certain vehicle.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Division visited Grogan’s apartment on the morning of May 14 and learned that Neveaux had been there earlier and had left with Grogan in her 2017 Jeep Patriot before police arrived.

Police returned the next day and found a man and Grogan, but Neveaux was not there.

And though aware of the consequences of harboring or aiding Neveaux was a crime, it still happened, police said.

Grogan was later found with Neveaux.

A Crime Stoppers tip led to the arrest of Neveaux May 23 in Opelousas, Louisiana, by police there who were working along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Neveaux was taken into custody at a home in the 1100 block of West Grolee Street, according to information from the Opelousas Police Department.
During the arrest of Neveaux, officers said they located 2,031 ecstasy pills they believe belonged to Neveaux.
Neveaux was held in the St. Landry Parish Jail on the homicide warrant until he was extradited to Jefferson County in Texas.

An indictment is not a final conviction of guilt; it is only a ruling by the grand jury that allows the district attorney’s office to proceed with a criminal case.