In the heart of Baton Rouge, a city known for its vibrant spirit and tight-knit community, a profound silence has fallen. The Baton Rouge Police Department and its residents are grieving the tragic loss of Sergeant Caleb Eisworth, a 44-year-old hero whose life was cut short on Sunday, August 10, 2025. A decorated 23-year veteran of the force, Sgt. Eisworth was more than an officer—he was a beacon of courage, a pillar of integrity, and a selfless protector whose legacy will forever echo through the streets he swore to serve.
On June 16, 2025, as Sgt. Eisworth rode his police motorcycle along Joor Road near Prescott Road, heading to a funeral procession assignment, his life was forever altered by a deliberate and heinous act. A 41-year-old man, identified as Gad Black, allegedly rammed his pickup truck into Eisworth’s motorcycle at high speed in what authorities have called an “intentional, targeted hit.” The impact was catastrophic—Eisworth was knocked off his bike and dragged hundreds of feet beneath the vehicle, sustaining critical injuries that would ultimately claim his life. The suspect, apprehended the same day on Airline Highway after boasting about the attack on social media, now faces charges of first-degree murder, hate crimes, criminal damage to property, and resisting an officer. His girlfriend, Asia Raby, 40, was also arrested, charged with obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact to attempted first-degree murder.
Sgt. Eisworth’s injuries were devastating. In the weeks following the attack, the community rallied around him, holding a jambalaya fundraiser and donating blood in a show of unwavering support. At Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, surgeons fought to save him, but the severity of his condition led to the amputation of both legs above the knee. Despite fleeting moments of hope as his vitals improved, Eisworth’s battle ended after seven grueling weeks in the hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
A recipient of the Baton Rouge Police Department’s Medal of Valor—the department’s highest honor—Sgt. Eisworth’s career was marked by extraordinary acts of bravery. Joining the force in 2002 and the motorcycle division in 2008, he earned multiple awards for heroism, including a notable off-duty rescue of a motorist from a burning vehicle. His dedication to public safety was matched only by his warmth as a husband to his wife, Darla, and a devoted father to his 12-year-old daughter. He leaves behind a grieving family, including his parents and brother, as well as a community forever changed by his service.
Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr. shared the department’s heartbreak in a poignant statement: “Caleb was an amazing officer and a good man. He spent seven weeks fighting hard to overcome his injuries, but ultimately lost his battle today. I ask that our community continue to lift the Eisworth family and the men and women of our Baton Rouge Police Department up in prayer.” The Slidell Police Department echoed this sentiment, honoring Eisworth’s “selfless service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to protecting others.”
The legal aftermath of this tragedy is unfolding with gravity. District Attorney Hillar Moore has vowed to seek the death penalty for Black, whose history includes a 2014 arrest for attempting to ram police vehicles during a chase. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has pledged her office’s full support for Moore’s pursuit of justice, stating, “Sgt. Eisworth’s memory and impact on the Baton Rouge community will live on forever.” A sanity commission has been appointed to evaluate Black’s fitness to stand trial, with a bond review scheduled for September 3, 2025.
As Baton Rouge prepares to honor its fallen hero, funeral arrangements have been set, with a procession planned to commemorate Eisworth’s life and service. The community, from fellow officers to local leaders, continues to mourn, their grief tempered by pride in a man who exemplified the best of law enforcement. Mayor Sharon Weston Broome and countless others have joined in paying tribute, ensuring that Eisworth’s legacy of courage and compassion endures.
Sgt. Caleb Eisworth’s story is one of valor, sacrifice, and an unyielding commitment to the city he loved. As Baton Rouge lays him to rest, his light will continue to shine in the hearts of those he protected, a reminder of the cost of heroism and the strength of a community united in his memory.
