Judge Jules Edwards had recently implemented a City Court program that offers people with outstanding warrants to resolve issues without facing arrest or heavy penalties.

Since the news broke Tuesday evening, people who knew and worked with Jules Edwards over the years have posted their reactions to his death.

Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet said the city “will miss his leadership and his friendship in our community.”

Lafayette City Court will be closed Wednesday after the unexpected death of Judge Jules Edwards III. All court hearings scheduled for Wednesday are canceled, according to a news release from Lafayette Consolidated Government. Edwards died Tuesday at the age of 66.

Sources say that Judge Jules Edwards III died Tuesday night. The circumstances of his passing have not yet been released. The New Orleans native served the city of Lafayette from 1993 to 2024, first in the 15th Judicial District Court and then in the city court.

In a profound loss for our community, local officials recount heartfelt memories and shared statements honoring the legacy of Judge Jules D. Edwards III, who dedicated more