On October 2, 2019 at approximately 9 pm officers responded to the 700 block of South Soileau Street for a report of a male subject laying on the ground. Upon arrival Officers located the male who had a gunshot wound in the upper back area. The victim was transported to Mercy Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. According to witness accounts there was a fight involving multiple people when the shooting occurred.
The investigation led to the arrest of a suspect who is a 16 year old male. The investigators, Chief of Police, Evangeline Parish District Attorney's Office and Judge Chuck West met on October 3, 2019 and the decision has been made that the 16 year old suspect will be facing charges as an adult.
Chief Lartigue stated, "Although the juvenile will be charged as an adult, we will not be releasing his name or photo at this time."
The juvenile is charged with one count of second degree murder, one count of illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrument and one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a juvenile. The juvenile is being held at the Evangeline Parish Jail on a $1,055,000.00 bond.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
Chief Lartigue asks that anyone who sees suspicious or illegal activity, call the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313. Your call will remain anonymous.
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