The trial of Cache Shelton, 30, began Monday in New Orleans, 17 months after the case was reopened following a WWL Louisiana investigation. Shelton is charged with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in the December 2022 fatal shooting of her boyfriend, 29-year-old Nicolas Harrison.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred on December 27, 2022, in Room 303 of the Courtyard Marriott hotel. Harrison died from a single gunshot wound to the forehead. Initially, Shelton claimed Harrison shot himself. Later, she told authorities the couple had been tussling over the gun in bed when it accidentally discharged.
Forensic evidence, however, contradicted her story. Ballistics and an autopsy showed the gun had to be fired from several feet away, and Harrison had no gunshot residue on his hands. Investigators also noted that Shelton had washed her hands and removed fake fingernails before testing, and her DNA was found on the gun’s trigger.
Trial Proceedings
The morning of jury selection on May 18 was emotional, with Harrison’s mother openly sobbing as police bodycam footage showing her son dying was played. Prosecutor Adele Krieger argued that Shelton deliberately killed Harrison, stating that “the physical evidence shows Cache Shelton is a liar and a murderer.”
Shelton’s attorney, Kevin Boshea, questioned why the DA reopened a case that had previously been reviewed, arguing that the evidence had not changed. The defense plans to show video evidence to suggest Shelton acted in self-defense, including footage of Harrison being recorded brandishing the gun a week before the fatal shooting.
Jury Selection and Expectations
During jury selection, potential jurors were questioned about prior news coverage. Some who had already formed an opinion or had been influenced by media coverage were dismissed. Judge Kimya Holmes expects the trial to continue until at least Thursday or Friday before the jury deliberates.
Shelton previously changed her plea multiple times, including a not guilty by reason of insanity plea, before reverting to a not guilty plea in April 2026.
Next Steps
The DA’s office told the court they plan to rest their case on Wednesday. Testimony from police and forensic experts is expected to continue through the week. The trial is being closely followed due to its complex evidence and prior media coverage.
