A fifth suspect has been arrested in connection with the disappearance and death of a father of four whose remains were found buried in a Marrero backyard last month.
Fifth Arrest in Eddie Tillman Jr. Case
Terrence Johnson, 45, of Harvey, was booked Wednesday by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office on charges of second-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, unlawful disposal of remains, and obstruction of justice.
Authorities say the charges suggest Johnson may have been involved in the killing of 37-year-old Eddie Tillman Jr., who was last seen in 2023. Johnson is the first suspect in the case to face a kidnapping charge.
Circumstances of Tillman’s Disappearance
Tillman was reported missing in August 2023 after relatives said he was lured from his mother’s Bridge City home by a friend requesting help. When no word was heard for a week, his family filed a missing person report on August 24, 2023, sharing rumors that he had been beaten to death.
Investigators did not locate Tillman’s remains until April 21, 2026, when his severed head and hands were discovered in the backyard of a home on the 1200 block of Gaudet Drive in Marrero. Detectives began searching the residence after receiving a tip through Crimestoppers.
The tip also identified Dustin Billot, 32, and John Lopez, 45, as Tillman’s killers. Both men were arrested in late April and charged with second-degree murder, unlawful disposal of a body, and obstruction of justice.
Other Suspects Arrested
Billot previously lived at the Gaudet Drive residence, where Tillman’s remains were recovered. Authorities have not clarified how Lopez is connected to Tillman. Detectives said both men admitted to killing Tillman and hiding his body during conversations with witnesses, though each blamed the other.
Later, Billot’s sister, Christina Beasley, 45, and Kelly Barrios, 40, were arrested and booked as accessories after the fact to second-degree murder and for failure to report a felony. Both women also resided at the Gaudet Drive home.
Ongoing Investigation
Several questions remain unanswered. Authorities have not yet determined Tillman’s cause of death, though the lower jaw of his skull was shattered in multiple places. His remains are being examined by the LSU Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services (FACES) Lab. Officials have not released information on why Tillman was targeted or the whereabouts of the rest of his remains.
All five suspects are being held at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna. Bail for Johnson was set at $625,000. Lopez’s bond is $770,000, Billot’s is $575,000, Beasley’s is $325,000, and Barrios’ is $150,000.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Eddie Tillman Jr.’s disappearance or the suspects to contact the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office investigations bureau at (504) 364-5300 or call Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111 or toll-free at (877) 903-7867.
