The Charleston Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred May 11, 2025, inside a residence on Hollywood Drive in West Ashley.
Shortly before 8:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they located a deceased individual inside the home with an apparent gunshot wound.
Following an investigation, detectives charged Jean Irene Lesperance (36, of North Charleston) with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Detectives confirmed that the victim, Janet Crouch and Lesperance were previously in a romantic relationship.
Additionally, Jacinda Francesca Trader (28, of Saint George) is also charged with murder. Detectives discovered that Trader assisted Lesperance in the events leading up to and after the murder.
The suspects were arrested together in Florence, South Carolina with the help of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service. Lesperance and Trader are currently being held at the Florence County Detention Center and will be transferred to the Al Cannon Detention Center at a later time.
This tragic act of violence is the second domestic-related homicide in the city this year. Intimate partner violence is a serious and deeply complex issue that affects individuals, families, and entire communities. If you or someone you know is in danger or needs support, please know that you are not alone. Contact the Charleston Police Department or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 for confidential support and resources.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Charleston Police Department at 843-720-2422 and ask for the on-duty Central Detective or submit a tip anonymously at www.charleston-sc.gov/tips.
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Media Release
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Media Contact: Sgt. Chris Stinson