Founder of African American museum found dead in trunk of car

Founder of African American museum found dead in trunk of car
Baton Rouge police are investigating the death of African American museum founder Sadie Roberts Joseph, whose body was found in a trunk of a car. (Source: WAFB)
By Samantha Morgan | July 13, 2019 at 6:41 AM CDT - Updated July 16 at 4:05 PM

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - An icon of the Baton Rouge community was found dead in the trunk of a car Friday afternoon. An autopsy to determine the cause of death for Sadie Roberts-Joseph, 75, was performed Monday, July 15 and revealed she died from traumatic asphyxia, including suffocation.

According to officials with the Baton Rouge Police Department, Roberts-Joseph found at roughly 3:45 p.m. on Friday, July 12. Joseph is the founder of non-profit, Odell S. Williams Now & Then Museum of African American History.

Baton Rouge Police investigate the scene of a body found in the trunk of a vehicle, Friday, July 12, 2019, in Baton Rouge, La. The vehicle was parked behind an unoccupied residence on N. 20th Street at the intersection of Adams Avenue. On hand were district attorney Hillar Moore as well as Baton Rouge Police chief Murphy Paul, uniform patrol commander Kevin Newman, assistant uniform patrol commander Michael Rarick and deputy chief Robert McGarner .
Baton Rouge Police investigate the scene of a body found in the trunk of a vehicle, Friday, July 12, 2019, in Baton Rouge, La. The vehicle was parked behind an unoccupied residence on N. 20th Street at the intersection of Adams Avenue. On hand were district attorney Hillar Moore as well as Baton Rouge Police chief Murphy Paul, uniform patrol commander Kevin Newman, assistant uniform patrol commander Michael Rarick and deputy chief Robert McGarner . (Source: STAFF PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK)
Chief Murphy Paul looks into an unoccupied home on scene as Baton Rouge Police investigate a body found in the trunk of a vehicle, Friday, July 12, 2019, in Baton Rouge, La. The vehicle was parked behind an unoccupied residence on N. 20th Street at the intersection of Adams Avenue.
Chief Murphy Paul looks into an unoccupied home on scene as Baton Rouge Police investigate a body found in the trunk of a vehicle, Friday, July 12, 2019, in Baton Rouge, La. The vehicle was parked behind an unoccupied residence on N. 20th Street at the intersection of Adams Avenue. (Source: STAFF PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK)
Roadrunner leaves the scene with a vehicle carrying the deceased as Baton Rouge Police investigate the scene of a body found in the trunk of a vehicle, Friday, July 12, 2019, in Baton Rouge, La. The vehicle was parked behind an unoccupied residence on N. 20th Street at the intersection of Adams Avenue.
Roadrunner leaves the scene with a vehicle carrying the deceased as Baton Rouge Police investigate the scene of a body found in the trunk of a vehicle, Friday, July 12, 2019, in Baton Rouge, La. The vehicle was parked behind an unoccupied residence on N. 20th Street at the intersection of Adams Avenue. (Source: STAFF PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK)

On Tuesday, July 16, an arrest was made in the case.

Ronn Jermaine Bell has been charged with first degree murder in connection with Roberts-Joseph’s death. It’s believed Bell was one of Roberts-Joseph’s tenants and was behind about $1,200 in rent.

Ronn Jermaine Bell
Ronn Jermaine Bell (Source: EBRSO)

My heart is empty... as I learned last night that Ms. Sadie Roberts Joseph was found murdered! This woman was amazing...

Posted by C. Denise Marcelle on Saturday, July 13, 2019

East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome expressed her condolences Sunday with a post published on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

In the midst of managing a major weather event in our parish, I was hit with some devastating news - the murder of a dear friend and a mother of the community- Sadie Roberts Joseph. I’ve deliberately waited to comment because of the level of love and respect I had for Sadie; and because it was such shocking news. She loved this city and its people. Her commitment to the cultural and educational fabric of our community is beyond description. The development of The Odell S. Williams African American Museum is a testament of her visionary and pioneering leadership. In the days to come, I look forward to offering a more comprehensive tribute. Please keep her family in your prayers. If you have any information that may assist in solving this horrific crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 344-STOP(7867) www.crimestoppersbr.com As an extra incentive, cash rewards are paid up to $5,000 for information which leads to the arrest and indictment of a person (s) that committed a felony crime.  There are No Names, No ID, and No Court when you contact Crime Stoppers. But you must contact Crime Stoppers to become eligible for the cash reward and to remain anonymous. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men and women to do nothing.” Edmund Burke

A post shared by Sharon Weston Broome (@mayorbroome) on

The car was found in the 2300 block of N 20th Street, which is located off I-110 near Choctaw.

BRPD commented on its Facebook page about Roberts-Joseph:

“Ms. Sadie was a tireless advocate of peace in the community. We had opportunities to work with her on so many levels. From assisting with her bicycle giveaway at the African American Museum to working with the organization she started called CADAV (Community Against Drugs and Violence). Ms. Sadie is a treasure to our community. She will be missed by BRPD and her loss will be felt in the community she served.”

Preserve Louisiana also released a statement on Roberts-Joseph’s death. She received an award from the organization in 2008.

"Preserve Louisiana joins our community, our state, and our country in mourning the loss of Sadie Roberts-Joseph and in celebrating her invaluable work. Ms. Sadie, one of our 2008 Preservation Award Recipients, worked tirelessly in cultural preservation over several generations.
Preserve Louisiana

Roberts-Joseph’s home is located on Kaufman Street, which is roughly three and a half miles from where her body was found.

Community - Sadie Roberts-Joseph

Click here to share your pictures of Sadie Roberts-Joseph.

Copyright 2019 WAFB. All rights reserved.