Charlitria Thomas, a 31‑year‑old woman from Baton Rouge in the southern United States, is now the subject of a multi‑state search after authorities say she helped her 15‑year‑old boyfriend Damon King, evade arrest in a domestic shooting that left her with severe facial injuries. Police say Thomas was shot in the jaw on Dec. 18, 2025, during an argument with the teenager at a home on Evergreen Drive. Witnesses told investigators the boy pulled two firearms during the dispute and opened fire before running away. Thomas underwent surgery, was intubated and remains in recovery, according to authorities.
Investigators say King fled with Thomas’ purse, which held about $60, and she initially told police she had not seen or heard from him. Detectives later learned she was secretly driving him around Baton Rouge in a Hyundai Elantra after her release from the hospital. Police say the relationship between Thomas and the minor was described as “estranged,” a detail that has drawn international attention because King is legally a juvenile. Authorities say Thomas could also face statutory rape charges due to the age difference and the nature of the relationship under U.S. law.
A Mississippi Highway Patrol trooper stopped the vehicle on Dec. 31 and found both Thomas and her boyfriend inside. King was arrested on Louisiana charges including attempted second‑degree murder, armed robbery, illegal use of a weapon and juvenile in possession of a firearm, along with additional charges in Mississippi. Because U.S. states handle criminal cases independently, King now faces charges in multiple jurisdictions.
Police later issued a warrant for Thomas, accusing her of accessory after the fact, a U.S. legal term meaning she allegedly helped conceal a suspect’s location, refused to cooperate with investigators and transported him across state lines while knowing he was wanted. Authorities say her actions hindered the investigation and allowed King to avoid arrest for nearly two weeks.
Thomas’ legal troubles deepened in February 2026, when she was briefly arrested in Panama City, Florida, on drug and traffic charges before being released on bond. Baton Rouge authorities have since issued another warrant linking her to the attempted murder and armed robbery case. Police say she remains at large.
Authorities also note that the case highlights growing concerns about juvenile access to firearms in the United States, an issue that has drawn international scrutiny as youth‑involved shootings continue to rise.
Police urge anyone with information on Thomas’ whereabouts to contact the Baton Rouge Police Department. Anonymous tips can be submitted through regional crime hotlines.
