BATON ROUGE — New details are emerging about Dr. William Abraham, a Baton Rouge therapist whose body was found wrapped in a tarp and dumped on the side of a highway over the weekend.
Abraham’s body was discovered Sunday along Highway 51 in northern Tangipahoa Parish. He had been brutally beaten, and Tangipahoa Sheriff Gerald Sticker described the homicide as a “very violent, very physical encounter.”
WATCH: Sheriff discusses Abraham investigation
On Monday, the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office released photos of a person of interest in the case. The images showed 20-year-old Terryon Ishmael Thomas at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Juban Crossing on Sunday afternoon. Shortly after, an arrest warrant was issued for Thomas, who was later spotted driving Abraham’s black Lincoln MKZ on North Sherwood Forest Boulevard.
The driver, believed to be Thomas, reportedly backed into a police vehicle before fleeing the scene. Thomas was arrested Tuesday in Dallas for resisting an officer. He is being held without bond and is expected to appear before a Texas magistrate before being extradited to Louisiana to face charges.
PHOTOS: Police tow car belonging to Dr. Abraham
Abraham’s practice
Abraham was a well-known therapist in Baton Rouge. A website for his practice states that he had more than “30 years of experience in treating substance abuse, depression, and anxiety.” It describes him as a therapist who provided counseling, psychotherapy, guidance, and psycho-education to couples, individuals, adolescents, and families in the Baton Rouge area.
The website also highlights Abraham’s work with the LGBTQ+ community, helping individuals navigate identity issues, acceptance, and family struggles.
“He saved my life”
UWK spoke with a former patient of Abraham, who described him as a positive and impactful therapist.
“If you met him, you would never forget him,” the former patient, who asked not to be identified, told UWK. “He’s like a profound, positive person that comes in your life. And you just … automatically feel better when you see his smiling face and hear his wonderful voice and his attitude and just the sparkle in his eye. He’s just so sweet and so honest. He’s real, that’s the thing. He’s real. He cares. And you will leave there feeling better about yourself.”
The patient said the last time they saw Abraham was about two weeks ago. They noted that Abraham helped them through episodes of anxiety and panic attacks, always offering meaningful advice.
“Just like to stay focused and it’s not my fault and sometimes you have to walk away … no matter how it hurts for you, for you to move on with your life. You just have to kind of walk away.”
The patient also said Abraham helped their son in various ways. “He’s just so sweet. I mean he saved my life.”
A checkered past
UWK has confirmed that Abraham was arrested in 2015 for allegedly inappropriately touching an 11-year-old boy he was counseling. The boy’s grandmother reported the incident after noticing the boy was visibly upset.
According to court documents, the boy later disclosed to a new therapist that Abraham had touched him inappropriately during a session.
“The juvenile disclosed that while at the accused’s office and during a therapy session, the accused put his hands down his pants and touched his privates and also laid next to him while he sat on the couch,” the affidavit stated.
Abraham was arrested on March 2, 2015, and posted a $25,000 bond for molestation of a juvenile.
East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore told UWK that while there was probable cause for the arrest, officials had to determine whether the evidence was sufficient for conviction beyond a reasonable doubt.
“This matter was under review by my office for approximately two years,” Moore told UWK. “After considering all available evidence, the best interest of the child and the lack of any inculpatory statements by the arrestee, we declined to institute formal charges.”
As is standard in cases of sexual crimes, the victim’s identity was not disclosed.
At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that Thomas was a client of Abraham.
This is a developing story. As soon as more details are provided, the story will be updated. Check back for new information.
Download the Unfiltered with Kiran app from the Apple App Store and Google Play to stay updated on the latest news across the Capital area.
One Response
I think these man did something to Mr prouda because he look like he did something to him he had to for him to unalive him