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Press Conference Transcript The agencies comprising the Multi-Agency Investigative Team have called you here today to provide you with an update regarding where we are in the investigation, to give you facts as we have them, and to announce an increase in the reward that is being offered. We will take no questions today and we thank you for your continued efforts to release factual information not opinions or gossip. Representatives of each agency of the Investigative Team are here and will provide you with information regarding their involvement in this investigation. Although all agencies are independent, each has made all of its resources available in support of other Investigative Team agencies as needed. I would like to introduce you to: - Special Agent in Charge David Welker, FBI, New Orleans Office
- Captain Barry Branton, LA State Police
- Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso
- Jennings Police Chief Johnny Lassiter
- Acadia Parish Sheriff Wayne Melancon
- Director of Investigations Mike Thompson, Louisiana Dept. of Justice
As you know, there are other agencies involved in this investigation that could not be here with us today. There are also many people behind the scenes who work on this case 24/7 along with us here in Jennings. This investigation pertains to the murders of Loretta Chaisson Lewis, Ernestine Daniels Patterson, Kristen Gary Lopez, Whitnei Dubois, Laconia “Muggy†Brown, Crystal Shay Benoit Zeno, Brittney Gary, and Necole Guillory. I use the term “murder†because we are treating them all as murders unless we can prove otherwise. As we have stated in previous releases, it is the collective opinion of all agencies involved in this investigation that these murders may have been committed by a common offender. For that reason, the label “serial murder†is applicable; however, we have not used that label when referring to this investigation because it does not benefit us in our goals to identify and apprehend the offender, nor does it prevent further loss of life. Labels are sometimes confusing and are subject to misinterpretation. A number of individuals have been considered possible suspects or persons of interest in the course of this investigation. None of these people have been ruled out completely and they continue to be on the Investigative Team’s “radarâ€. At this time, we do not have a particular suspect who we are focusing on exclusively; therefore we will continue to consider other suspects. This investigation is ongoing. Investigators have followed nearly 1,000 leads, interviewed approximately 500 people and fielded countless telephone calls providing information on these cases. Some of the information received in the course of this investigation has lead to progress in other unrelated cases such as narcotic and burglary cases. All available resources from our federal, state and local agencies have been continuously applied in the investigation of these murders. The reward for information that leads to the arrest and successful prosecution of the person responsible for these murders has been increased from $35,000 to $85,000. The reward money is being offered by the Jefferson Davis Parish District Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Lamar Advertising has partnered with us to use electronic and paper billboards in SW Louisiana. There have been more than 48,000 investigative hours logged in this case. We are working collectively as a team with the shared and mutual goals of bringing closure for the families of Loretta, Ernestine, Kristen, Whitnei, Muggy, Shay, Brittney and Necole, and bringing the responsible party to justice. Additionally, since November 2008, the Investigative Team has been tasked to find approximately 30 females who were reported missing. Collectively, law enforcement has been working on these cases for over 4 years. Investigators have covered and then re-checked leads upon entering them into the FBI’s lead management system. Investigations of this type make up less than 1% of all crimes. They are complex, arduous and time consuming. The Investigative Team members have worked around the clock, sometimes spending many days and nights away from their families to do so. I want to personally thank all of the men and women who have worked extremely hard and will continue to work hard until this case is successfully resolved. I would also like to thank the families of these men and women who support their law enforcement members. As I previously mentioned, all of these independent agencies are joined in support of the investigation centered at the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office. We speak with one voice and will bring the offender to justice as one TEAM. The complete facts and evidence gathered thus far are only known to law enforcement. The integrity of this investigation must not be compromised by disclosing evidence and/or other investigative results. We ask that the public contact the Investigative Team with any facts, suspicions or other information about these crimes. We want the public to understand that the Investigative Team is the ONLY appropriate recipient of such information. We are aware of others who have represented themselves as cooperating with the Investigative Team in the investigation; such is NOT the case. We are unable to confirm whether all information is being relayed. Reporting case information to individuals who are not members of the Investigative Team could delay or even prevent that information from being acted upon. This could result in irreparable harm to the investigation, and possibly in further loss of life. Our other partners in this investigation are you, the citizens of Jennings, Jefferson Davis Parish, and all of the surrounding towns and parishes. We have had a tremendous response from the public and we ask for your continued support. If you have any information on any of these cases, or that you think may be helpful to the investigation, please call. Even if you think your information is unimportant, or that someone else has reported what you know, please contact us. Your call may be the one that helps us to solve these cases. Our tip-line is (337) 824-6662, our website is http://www.jeffdaviscrimes.net. Thank you.  Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff Ricky Edwards Jr.; Jennings Police Chief Johnny Lassiter; Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso; Special Agent in Charge David Welker, FBI; Captain Barry Branton, LA State Police; Acadia Parish Sheriff Wayne Melancon    Captain Barry Branton, LA State Police  Special Agent in Charge David Welker, FBI  Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso  Acadia Parish Sheriff Wayne Melancon Site created by the JDSO Multi-Agency Investigative Team
Tags: THEJENNINGS 8
More Information on Violent Offenders Violent offenders often exhibit some noticeable behavioral changes following the commission of a crime. Often, members of the community will unknowingly be associated with the offender of a crime, and may observe behavioral changes in that person. While they will recognize the changes, and may even question the offender about such changes, but they may not recognize the relationship between such behavioral changes and the offender's involvement in the crimes. The following are behaviors and characteristics that the offender may exhibit: - In reaction to heightened public awareness and intensive law enforcement investigation, the offender has changed his method of operation. For instance, the most recent victim's body was discarded off to the side of Interstate l0 in Acadia Parish. Previous victims' bodies were discarded off to the side of smaller, rural roads.
- The offender is likely to pay very close attention to the police investigation, media coverage and even private discussions pertaining to this series of murders.
- The offender is likely to have displayed increased nervousness in the time periods immediately following the murders and the body discoveries.
- The offender may have increased his use of drugs and/or alcohol to contend with the nervousness and experienced stress resulting from increased awareness and vigilance of both the police and the public.
- In the time period immediately following the murders and the body discoveries, the offender may have altered his daily routine. He may have left the area temporarily; he may have been absent from work, cancelled appointments and/or social engagements.
- The offender may have changed his mode of transportation, e.g., changed his vehicle, sold or claimed to have sold his vehicle, cleaned or had his vehicle cleaned, possibly including the vehicle's interior.
- The offender is someone with significant ties to the Jefferson Davis Parish area. He has demonstrated a strong familiarity with the area, and is someone known to residents there.
- The offender may have been seen in the area of Jennings known to be frequented by the missing ladies. He may have been, and perhaps still visits this area of Jennings.
The Task Force encourages anyone with information to contact them at 337 824-6662. EVEN IF IT IS THOUGHT THAT THE INFORMATION IS UNIMPORTANT OR HAS BEEN REPORTED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT PREVIOUSLY, PLEASE CALL: YOURS MAY BE THE CALL THAT SAVES LIVES.
Tags: THE JENNINGS 8
View Full Version : New developments in unsolved Jennings murders
shadowraiths 11-11-2008, 05:23 AM New developments in unsolved Jennings murders By Lee Peck November 11, 2008 New developments into the investigation of the six unsolved deaths of Jennings women. Authorities confirm the identity of the sixth body found in the Jennings area since 2005 as 24-year-old Crystal Benoit Zeno. DNA confirmed it was Zeno's badly decomposed body that was discovered September 11th off Lacour Road. A preliminary autopsy ruled her death as a homicide. Meanwhile a full autopsy and toxicology are still pending. Investigators will continue to compare evidence from Zeno's case to the other five victims. Anyone who knows Zeno's whereabouts after Wednesday August 27th is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency. Now to the search for 17-year-old Brittney Gary. Sunday will mark a week since her disappearance. 7 News was there Saturday afternoon as volunteers continued their search, including a private investigator now employed to look into the rash of unsolved murders. Full article: click here ( http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9317692&nav=0nqxHmI6)
gaia227 11-11-2008, 12:01 PM It is interesting that the latest girl to go missing was a cousin of one of the victims and a good friend of another. Simply a coincidence or was she targeted?
colette 11-11-2008, 12:40 PM In a small town of 10,000, it looks like the serial killer is one of them. It's amazing that no one has been caught, since it seems most the victims knew each other. He is hiding in plain sight and knows just where to hide the bodies. They need to find this latest girl while there is still evidence. Thanks, Shadowraiths for the update.
MeoW333 11-11-2008, 01:13 PM That's definitely a serial killer at work there. It's surprising they won't involve the FBI. Sounds like a one horse town of which the sheriff's office doesn't have the knowledge or funds to investigate the murders properly.
If Brittany went missing with a cell phone on her; why wasn't the cell phone pinged?
MeoW333 11-11-2008, 01:14 PM Do we have a thread for all 6 of these murders together? It's no doubt a serial killer at work.
OkGrace 11-11-2008, 01:42 PM In a small town of 10,000, it looks like the serial killer is one of them. It's amazing that no one has been caught, since it seems most the victims knew each other. He is hiding in plain sight and knows just where to hide the bodies. They need to find this latest girl while there is still evidence. Thanks, Shadowraiths for the update.
I am amazed, really. Six girls and one disapears who is related to one and friends with another, just does not seem a unrelated.
Soulmagent 11-11-2008, 01:56 PM As her mother takes action, she's worried her daughter may be the latest victim in the string of unsolved deaths of Jennings women. She was the cousin of one of the victims as well as a friend to several others, and Brittney had expressed concern to her mother. "She was scared, she was like you don't know who you can trust anymore, they can be your friend. You just never know," said Brittney's mother Teresa Gary. http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9317692&nav=0nqxHmI6I copied this from the link Shadow posted. It made me wonder who else this girl would have expressed this concern to.
AmandaBrown23 11-11-2008, 02:20 PM Im glad someone posted this. I live in Lake Charles where most of the news is coming from. Its so sad that they havent caught the guy yet. I hope they find the girl alive but its not looking too good.
shadowraiths 11-11-2008, 02:40 PM Jennings murder investigation update KATC November 11, 2008 51-year-old Frankie Richard and his niece, 22-year-old Hannah Conner are in jail charged with killing one of the victims, 21-year-old Kristin Gary Lopez. Neither one of the two is a stranger to police. [...] So far detectives haven't been able to connect Ernestine Patterson, Loretta Lynn Prejean, or Whitnei Dubois to the two suspects. However, witnesses say they saw Richard with Whitnei Dubois in the last few days she was alive. Full article: click here ( http://www.katc.com/global/story.asp?s=6533619) I tried finding information regarding the aforementioned victims but was unable to find anything on the web, usenet, or in any news paper archives. Given the number of victims per capita (i.e., small town) in the short time-frame (under 3 years), I'm surprised there is so little info out there. Btw, and as an aside to the person wondering why the FBI isn't involved. The are. From the original article: Also working the case is the FBI. Teresa was questioned by them on Friday and says they're not counting anyone out in Brittney's disappearance.
MeoW333 11-11-2008, 02:48 PM :doh:That was my slight; i forgot i had read about the FBI in the article..
I wonder if they will find the man and his niece responsible in the other murders as well..
shadowraiths 11-11-2008, 04:34 PM Woman's Body Found in Local Canal Posted: September 12, 2008 Updated: September 29, 2008 By Britney Glaser *The first body was found in May 2005 by a fisherman in the Grand Marais drainage canal off LA 1126. The victim was identified as 29-year-old Loretta Lynn Chaisson Lewis of Jennings. *The second victim was found in June 2005, floating in a drainage canal off LA 102. The victim is identified as 30-year-old Ernestine Marie Daniel Patterson of Jennings. *The third victim was found in March 2007, by a fisherman in the Petitjean Canal off LA 99. The victim is identified as 21-year-old Kristen Elizabeth Gary Lopez of Jennings. *The fourth victim was found in May 2007, near the intersection of Bobby and Earl Duhon Roads. The victim is identified as 26-year-old Whitnei Charlene Dubois of Jennings. *The fifth victim was found in May 2008, by a city police officer off East Racca Road. The victim is identified as 23-year-old Laconia Shontel "Muggy" Brown of Jennings. Full article: click here ( http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?s=8998071) Also see: Crystal Benoit Zeno ( http://american-press.net/wpStorm/?p=835) Whitnei Charlene Dubois ( http://s2.excoboard.com/exco/archive.php?ac=t&forumid=122532&date=08-24-2008&t=1624752-1)
capoly 11-16-2008, 03:48 AM
MeoW333 11-16-2008, 10:16 AM Are they incompetent or what? Obviously it's the work of a serial killer! "And although all the dead women used drugs - most commonly, crack cocaine - and sometimes traded sex for drugs, spent time in jail, knew each other and were disposed of in similar ways, authorities hesitate to say a serial killer is responsible for their deaths." http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20081116/NEWS01/811160314
mahmoo 11-16-2008, 12:09 PM This article has some additional information about these murders http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20081116/NEWS01/811160332&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSELFrom above article (bolding mine): Patterson was the only official homicide until this year when LaConia "Muggy" Brown, 23, was found in the middle of a gravel road on the city/parish border just hours after she was last seen. She was doused in bleach but died from what Edwards said was a slit throat. The gravel road leads to a police shooting range, guaranteeing that a police officer would find the body.
capoly 11-16-2008, 12:09 PM Are they incompetent or what? Obviously it's the work of a serial killer! "And although all the dead women used drugs - most commonly, crack cocaine - and sometimes traded sex for drugs, spent time in jail, knew each other and were disposed of in similar ways, authorities hesitate to say a serial killer is responsible for their deaths." http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20081116/NEWS01/811160314 (my bold) LOL I can't trust myself to post anything more than the news article/url with stories like this as I'm sure any personal comment would get me banned! 7 young women dead in 3 years and "Jefferson Davis officials wonder if they have serial killer". That's cartoonist material. I know the 7 deaths don't automatically mean it's a serial killer but "wondering" should have kicked in long before now. AmandaBrown23, It says Brittany had a 5+ block walk from the store to her home. "Blocks" makes me think the area was a populated one....stores and homes etc. Do you know if that's right? Thanks.
capoly 11-16-2008, 12:51 PM
AmandaBrown23 11-16-2008, 12:58 PM (my bold)
LOL I can't trust myself to post anything more than the news article/url with stories like this as I'm sure any personal comment would get me banned!
7 young women dead in 3 years and "Jefferson Davis officials wonder if they have serial killer". That's cartoonist material.
I know the 7 deaths don't automatically mean it's a serial killer but "wondering" should have kicked in long before now.
AmandaBrown23, It says Brittany had a 5+ block walk from the store to her home. "Blocks" makes me think the area was a populated one....stores and homes etc. Do you know if that's right? Thanks.
Im pretty sure it was pretty populated. There isnt much open space out in Jennings, its not very big at all. I am so sad to hear that the girl may have been found dead. Her mom was on the news here and it broke my heart. She was crying so hard and she just knew the serial killer got her.
AmandaBrown23 11-16-2008, 01:02 PM Im pretty sure it was pretty populated. There isnt much open space out in Jennings, its not very big at all. I am so sad to hear that the girl may have been found dead. Her mom was on the news here and it broke my heart. She was crying so hard and she just knew the serial killer got her.
What really concerns me is that one of this girls family members was murdered by the serial killer, so if someone picked her up obviously she knew them.
mahmoo 11-16-2008, 03:15 PM http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20081116/NEWS01/811160323More interesting info from the above link (bolding mine):Brittney's cousin, Kristen Elizabeth Gary Lopez, was the third victim, and her best friend, fourth victim LaConia Shontel "Muggy" Brown, died earlier this year. A week before Brittney went missing, a serial killer profiler told a private investigator that another girl would be killed before Christmas. Every one of the victims is connected to the Gary family in some way, and Teresa Gary said they knew all of them. The second victim, Ernesteine Marie Daniel Patterson, was one of Teresa Gary's employees at Wendy's. The family had returned to Jennings less than a week before Brittney's disappearance after living with family in Houston and Lufkin, Texas, for four months. Her daughter had done drugs in the past, Gary said, but was clean while they lived in Texas.
MeoW333 11-16-2008, 07:50 PM
AdoraBlue 11-17-2008, 07:42 AM http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20081116/NEWS03/811160306/1062 JENNINGS — More than three years ago, Jefferson Davis Parish authorities began investigating the deaths of Jennings women who were known to live illicit lifestyles. All the women were in their 20s and had escalated levels of cocaine and alcohol in their bodies when they were found in rural but public areas of the small, poor parish. With a seventh body found Saturday that is suspected to be that of the 17-year-old relative of one of the victims, officials are investigating tips but are without a lead suspect. (emphasis added) Lengthy article and timeline at link. http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20081116/NEWS03/811160304/1062Serial murder not unfamiliar to S. La.
impatientredhead 11-17-2008, 08:19 AM http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20081116/NEWS01/811160323More interesting info from the above link (bolding mine):Brittney's cousin, Kristen Elizabeth Gary Lopez, was the third victim, and her best friend, fourth victim LaConia Shontel "Muggy" Brown, died earlier this year. A week before Brittney went missing, a serial killer profiler told a private investigator that another girl would be killed before Christmas. Every one of the victims is connected to the Gary family in some way, and Teresa Gary said they knew all of them. The second victim, Ernesteine Marie Daniel Patterson, was one of Teresa Gary's employees at Wendy's. The family had returned to Jennings less than a week before Brittney's disappearance after living with family in Houston and Lufkin, Texas, for four months. Her daughter had done drugs in the past, Gary said, but was clean while they lived in Texas. Very interesting that all the victims tie back to this one family. Any matching cases in Lufkin Texas in the last four months?
AdoraBlue 11-17-2008, 08:27 AM
MeoW333 11-17-2008, 08:43 AM :woohoo: It's about time LE has "decided" there is a serial killer! "All the women were in their 20s and had escalated levels of cocaine and alcohol in their bodies when they were found in rural but public areas of the small, poor parish." http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20081116/NEWS03/811160306/1062I wonder if the killer watched their daily habits and would strike after they had got high.
capoly 11-17-2008, 11:32 AM What really concerns me is that one of this girls family members was murdered by the serial killer, so if someone picked her up obviously she knew them.
Very interesting that all the victims tie back to this one family. Any matching cases in Lufkin Texas in the last four months?
Been thinking along those lines also. Between the friends/relative murdered and her mother saying "She was scared, she was like you don't know who you can trust anymore, they can be your friend. You just never know,".....it doesn't seem like she'd hop in any ole car.
In Jennings 11/2 the weather was clear, sunset was at 5:22PM with twilight ending at 5:47PM. According to the video Brittany left the store around 5:30 to walk 5 blocks to her home. Darkness is just setting in, don't know if there's street lights or not. The walk from store to home was simple....like an upside down L...no parks, alleys etc. Walk time is estimated @ around 10 mins. And Google map shows S Doyle as a populated steet.
Does make one wonder.
ETA Was thinking car...wouldn't have to be...wondering if any "trusted" individual lived between store and home?
capoly 11-17-2008, 01:18 PM "It was a feeling we had," said Gary's uncle, Butch Gary. He organized the search parties and combed rural central-Jefferson Davis Parish, where the six other women were found..." "Authorities searched over the same area the family has searched with infra-red cameras and came up empty, meaning Brittney's body might not have been there long before searchers found it." http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20081116/NEWS01/811160323In the location of victims map/post 16, bodies 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 are kind of clustered directly south of Jennings & and range from 1+ miles (5) to 5+ miles (4) from S Doyle St. The closest body (5) was the one doused in bleach and left in the road by the police shooting range. Brittany (7) is 9+miles and her cousin is (3) is 16 miles from S Doyle St. Both are to the SW of Jennings. Kind of a separation from the rest.....perhaps intentional? Also no bodies were found in 2006. From kplctv: "I can tell you that we are investigating some leads and that we do have a short list of persons of interest and that we're working on the case day and night," said Mallett. Also working the case is the FBI. Teresa was questioned by them on Friday and says they're not counting anyone out in Brittney's disappearance. "In the end, they need me to take a lie detector test to rule all that out and I don't have a problem with that at all, but it hurts that they would think that, but I guess it's their job," said Teresa. http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9317692&nav=0nqxHmI6Not thinking it's Teresa but do wonder if all family members will be as obliging re test.
SeriouslySearching 11-17-2008, 01:37 PM I think they should also take into account while it could be family...it could also be a policeman or someone who works closely with them on these cases. The body being found on the way to the police shooting range is a huge clue, imo.
I wasn't aware of these cases and it is very disturbing to see the inability to close in on a perp when you have so many in a small cluster who are related in some way.
fran 11-17-2008, 02:09 PM This case is disturbing in that it's in such a small town, similar mo (IMO), and what should be a small # of possible suspects. This reminds me of years ago when I lived in the Pacific Northwest and periodically we'd hear about one, two, or three bodies found along the Green River. Then nothing and years went by and suddenly. :(
It's like the person doing it KNOWS that no one will investigate this fully because of the 'life style' of the victims and the 'lack' of clues, ie dna etc.
IMHO, the FBI needs to look at this from the OUTSIDE-IN, leaving NO ONE, who lives in the area, out as a suspect. ;)
There's clues here. LOTS of clues.
JMHO
fran
STEADFAST 11-17-2008, 03:22 PM From May of 2007: 51-year-old Frankie Richard and 22-year-old Hannah Conner, both of Jennings, were booked Wednesday on second degree murder charges. This arrest is connected to the murder of Kristen Gary Lopez. Deputies say Lopez's nude body was found in a rural area of the parish in March of 2007. The investigation into her death did not lead to any arrests until now. Investigators say the names of the two suspects, whom are uncle and niece, have come up often in this investigation. . . . Sheriff Edwards is now saying that Conner may also be connected to three other murders dating back two years. http://www.klfy.com/Global/story.asp?S=6527079I wonder what happened with this? And also from May of 2007 http://www.klfy.com/Global/story.asp?S=6568824There is new information on the homicide investigation of Kristen Gary Lopez. Investigators have made another arrest. 31-year-old Tracee Chaisson of Jennings, has been booked into the Jennings jail, charged with accessory after the fact. Chaisson was interviewed on several occasions and was the person who reported Lopez missing. Chaisson is the last name of one of the victims, right? But not the one she's been arrested about. I wonder how they're related? Also, this Tracee Chaisson got married this May to Dennis Egelston, Jr. http://www.jenningsdailynews.net/weds.php?id=32
SeriouslySearching 11-17-2008, 05:09 PM So are the uncle and niece in any way related to the victims? I know the article just mentions they were in the drug ring.
capoly 11-17-2008, 06:50 PM From May of 2007: 51-year-old Frankie Richard and 22-year-old Hannah Conner, both of Jennings, were booked Wednesday on second degree murder charges. This arrest is connected to the murder of Kristen Gary Lopez. Deputies say Lopez's nude body was found in a rural area of the parish in March of 2007. The investigation into her death did not lead to any arrests until now. Investigators say the names of the two suspects, whom are uncle and niece, have come up often in this investigation. . . . Sheriff Edwards is now saying that Conner may also be connected to three other murders dating back two years. http://www.klfy.com/Global/story.asp?S=6527079I wonder what happened with this? And also from May of 2007 http://www.klfy.com/Global/story.asp?S=6568824There is new information on the homicide investigation of Kristen Gary Lopez. Investigators have made another arrest. 31-year-old Tracee Chaisson of Jennings, has been booked into the Jennings jail, charged with accessory after the fact. Chaisson was interviewed on several occasions and was the person who reported Lopez missing. Chaisson is the last name of one of the victims, right? But not the one she's been arrested about. I wonder how they're related? Also, this Tracee Chaisson got married this May to Dennis Egelston, Jr. http://www.jenningsdailynews.net/weds.php?id=32 I read an article...or something... that said Hannah was released and moved out of Jennings...possibly out of State. And that Richard was released and is now deceased. Thought I placed it under Favorites but can't find it...probably because half the internets there... will post link when found.
capoly 11-17-2008, 07:08 PM I do have the article but don't know if it can be placed here in due to copyright. Anyone know?
American Press (Lake Charles, LA) - July 31, 2007
Rape charges dropped Alleged victim drops complaint against man once suspected in Jeff Davis slaying
JENNINGS - Rape charges have been dismissed against a local man who was a suspect in the death of one of four women whose bodies were dumped in rural parts of Jeff Davis Parish over the past two years. The charges were dismissed Monday against Frankie Richard, 52, of Jennings, after the alleged victim dropped her complaint. Richard was released from the parish jail shortly after 3 p.m. Monday. The charge stemmed from an incident that occurred earlier this year.
"Second-degree murder charges against Richard and his niece, Hannah Conner, 22, of Jennings, were dismissed in May after authorities received conflicting statements from witness Tracee Lynn Chaisson, 32, of Jennings."
and other of interest:
"Richard has been interviewed in three of the four cases because he was reportedly seen with the women in the final days of their lives. Conner was seen with Lopez in her last days, authorities said.
Manslaughter charges were dismissed earlier this year against two local men who were accused of being involved in the slaying of the second victim, Ernestine Marie Daniel Patterson, 30, of Jennings.
Byron Chad Jones and Lawrence Nixon were indicted last year, but the charges were dropped because of a lack of evidence."
.........
Lopez's body was found March 18 by a fisherman in the Petitjean Canal near Cherokee Road, just off La. 99, about 10 miles south of Welsh. She was last seen March 5 and was reported missing 10 days later.
capoly 11-17-2008, 07:47 PM I think they should also take into account while it could be family...it could also be a policeman or someone who works closely with them on these cases. The body being found on the way to the police shooting range is a huge clue, imo.
I wasn't aware of these cases and it is very disturbing to see the inability to close in on a perp when you have so many in a small cluster who are related in some way.
This fella was cleared but interesting.
Detective cleared
Truck he purchased from inmate linked to March slaying
Author: DORIS MARICLE; AMERICAN PRESS
November 27, 2007
Article Text:
JENNINGS - A veteran Jeff Davis Parish sheriff's detective has been cleared of wrongdoing in connection with his purchase of a pickup truck that may have been involved in the slaying of a local woman.
The finding follows a seven-month state police investigation of Detective Warren Gary's purchase of the truck from an inmate. ..............
Gary bought the truck from Connie Siler, who had been arrested on worthless-check charges, after she was released from jail on March 30............
State police investigators were unable to get a statement from Siler, who is now in Yuba City, Calif., according to the report. .........
Siler was interviewed as a "person of interest" in three of the four slayings of young women whose bodies have been found dumped in rural parts of the parish over the last two years. .......
Gary told investigators he bought the truck for $9,000, the amount he had available without having to take out a loan. He later sold the truck for $15,000 to a grant writer - the ex-wife of a state trooper in Lake Charles - making a $6,500 profit. ........
Cassidy said it was not until after the transaction and Gary's resale of the truck that authorities learned from a witness that the truck may have been involved in the death of Kristen Elizabeth Gary Lopez in March. A forensic exam of the vehicle was made, at which time potential evidence was retrieved from the truck. Lab results are still pending, he said.
OrdinaryLife 11-17-2008, 08:14 PM I know there is another thread concerning these murders, but for the life of me I can't find it.
I find it very interesting that in this small area there has been 6 murders. The possible 7th found this past weekend. Is anyone familiar with the area? There are only a half dozen or so media news blips of these women being murdered and dumped.
This sounds like a serial killer to me, though I wonder if the last young woman found this past week was a victim of opportunity. It has been said she was a family member to one of the other victims. I wonder if she may have known her killer.
capoly 11-17-2008, 08:46 PM I know there is another thread concerning these murders, but for the life of me I can't find it. I find it very interesting that in this small area there has been 6 murders. The possible 7th found this past weekend. Is anyone familiar with the area? There are only a half dozen or so media news blips of these women being murdered and dumped. This sounds like a serial killer to me, though I wonder if the last young woman found this past week was a victim of opportunity. It has been said she was a family member to one of the other victims. I wonder if she may have known her killer. Here it is......darn forget the thread title :confused: has Jennings in it for sure :) http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74807
OrdinaryLife 11-17-2008, 10:15 PM Here it is......darn forget the thread title :confused: has Jennings in it for sure :) http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74807Thank you so much, Capoly. I'm going to be scoping out this over the next few days. I cannot help,but wonder if there have been more murdered women that have not been linked to these over the last few years. Worth checking out, I think.
MeoW333 11-17-2008, 10:25 PM So are the uncle and niece in any way related to the victims? I know the article just mentions they were in the drug ring. Hi SS; it said in another article that the uncle and niece were arrested on charges of one murder and then the charges were dropped; everyone of the victims knew the Gary family.. "Every one of the victims is connected to the Gary family in some way, and Teresa Gary said they knew all of them. The second victim, Ernesteine Marie Daniel Patterson, was one of Teresa Gary's employees at Wendy's." http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20081116/NEWS01/811160323(being it's a smaller town; most people likely know each other in one way or another. yet that should also make it easier for LE to solve..)
MeoW333 11-17-2008, 10:30 PM This fella was cleared but interesting.
Detective cleared
Truck he purchased from inmate linked to March slaying
Author: DORIS MARICLE; AMERICAN PRESS
November 27, 2007
Article Text:
JENNINGS - A veteran Jeff Davis Parish sheriff's detective has been cleared of wrongdoing in connection with his purchase of a pickup truck that may have been involved in the slaying of a local woman.
The finding follows a seven-month state police investigation of Detective Warren Gary's purchase of the truck from an inmate. ..............
Gary bought the truck from Connie Siler, who had been arrested on worthless-check charges, after she was released from jail on March 30............
State police investigators were unable to get a statement from Siler, who is now in Yuba City, Calif., according to the report. .........
Siler was interviewed as a "person of interest" in three of the four slayings of young women whose bodies have been found dumped in rural parts of the parish over the last two years. .......
Gary told investigators he bought the truck for $9,000, the amount he had available without having to take out a loan. He later sold the truck for $15,000 to a grant writer - the ex-wife of a state trooper in Lake Charles - making a $6,500 profit. ........
Cassidy said it was not until after the transaction and Gary's resale of the truck that authorities learned from a witness that the truck may have been involved in the death of Kristen Elizabeth Gary Lopez in March. A forensic exam of the vehicle was made, at which time potential evidence was retrieved from the truck. Lab results are still pending, he said.
This article is really interesting. Why would a detective buy a truck off a woman who just got out? Some kind of bargain going on there? Especially after he resells it for $6500.00!
Also; the detective's last name is Gary; any relation to Brittany or the other women who have turned up missing?
Maybe someone in the local police department has watched too much 'Dexter' or something..
How can such a small town be in denial of serial murders and not arrest anyone or come up with any decent leads? Maybe it's someone behind the badge doing the killings.
Reannan 11-17-2008, 11:14 PM This article has some additional information about these murders http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20081116/NEWS01/811160332&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSELFrom above article (bolding mine): Patterson was the only official homicide until this year when LaConia "Muggy" Brown, 23, was found in the middle of a gravel road on the city/parish border just hours after she was last seen. She was doused in bleach but died from what Edwards said was a slit throat. The gravel road leads to a police shooting range, guaranteeing that a police officer would find the body. I am just catching up on this story, but when I saw the bolded information that mahmoo had posted, I already had the same idea that Meow just mentioned - someone in LE is involved. Not sure why, but that thought just screamed inside my head. This is obviously a serial killer case, yet LE is in denial!!!!???? That in itself is suspicious and should be investigated. Something stinks here.
nursebeeme 11-17-2008, 11:30 PM hey REEE! I completely agree with what you said above. Also, perhaps we should look at other "connections" these women may have had besides familyl/friends. This is a strange one indeed!
capoly 11-18-2008, 12:12 AM Local officers keep close eye on Jefferson Davis Parish killings Rapides Parish He was the detective called out when "Jane Doe" was found on the side of Interstate 49 near the Lena exit. Her badly decomposed body has not been identified, nor her cause of death determined. http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20081116/NEWS01/811160324
mahmoo 11-18-2008, 02:59 PM Couple of items I found on Topix: http://www.topix.com/forum/city/jennings-la/TP3AHR3961TQE8UNBBrittany Jones Opelousas, LA #2 Jul 20, 2007 I am the sister of Whitnei Dubois, and I would like to first and foremost thank the person who was brave enough to speak up and make this comment. I have a very hard time myself believing that in a small town like Jennings, it is near impossible to solve 4 murders of four women. In my opinion, if these women would have been the daughters of elected officials or some of our higher class citizens of Louisiana, then maybe the job would have gotten done. Let's not forget that these girls lived very troubled lives and no one knew what they went through or what they were going through. My sister was a good person, who had just recently gotten caught up in an unhealthy lifestyle that unfortunately cost her her life. She was also the mother of a 5 yr old daughter who will never again get to see her "mommy". Now if anyone could have been the one who had to tell her on MOTHER'S DAY that her mother was not coming home or if you had to hold her as the tears rolled down her face as we put her mother into the ground then maybe people in this community would be more understanding to this tragedy. The above post is date 2007......This next one (also from above link) doesn't have the year but I'm pretty sure it's 2008: Kirk Menard ( http://www.topix.com/member/profile/kirkmenard) “Licensed Private Investigator†http://64.13.133.31/pics/up-TFSAQ0QLJRVQ8ANF-m ( http://www.topix.com/member/profile/kirkmenard) Joined: Sun Oct 19 Jennings, Louisiana #3 ( http://www.topix.com/forum/city/jennings-la/TP3AHR3961TQE8UNB/post3) Sunday Oct 19 We have just opened an investigation independently of any law enforcement investigation. Since we are not law enforcement officials, we have more leeway in questioning and obtaining answers to many unanswered questions. Due to confidentiality, we cannot disclose our clients but we can say that we are receiving alot more information in our first day of this investigation than they have received since the beginning of the law enforcement investigation. Another post by PI.....his response when another poster asked how it was going.Kirk Menard #8 ( http://www.topix.com/forum/city/jennings-la/TP3AHR3961TQE8UNB/post8) Wednesday Nov 12 It's going good. We have some leads that we've turned over to several law enforcement agencies and we are still working night and day on this. This is another Topix link: http://www.topix.com/city/jennings-la/2008/09/womans-body-found-near-jeff-davis-canalA poster at Topix asked PI (Menard) if local LE needed to request additional assistance......Menard replied and then I quoted him and asked the questions below......he hasn't posted a reponse as of yet.Mahmoo Lafayette, LA ( http://www.topix.com/forum/city/lafayette-la) #3 ( http://www.topix.com/forum/city/jennings-la/TM38DP6CIJVV5KLPL/post3)SundayKirk Menard wrote: They can and the FBI has been called in to assist but they can only do so much with the evidence they are given (hint hint) Any chance you can expound on the "hint hint" part? Not sure if you mean local LE doesn't have much evidence to give or they are just hesitant to turn over what they do have. What happened with the arrest (connected to the murder of Kristen Gary Lopez) of 51-year-old Frankie Richard and 22-year-old Hannah Conner in May 2007? Is Richard still alive? Is Conner still in the state?
SeriouslySearching 11-18-2008, 03:04 PM Truck he purchased from inmate linked to March slaying
Author: DORIS MARICLE; AMERICAN PRESS
November 27, 2007
~snip~
Gary told investigators he bought the truck for $9,000, the amount he had available without having to take out a loan. He later sold the truck for $15,000 to a grant writer - the ex-wife of a state trooper in Lake Charles - making a $6,500 profit. ........Now what kind of detective has 9 grand just laying around the house?! I have known many detectives. They drove older cars and lived less than luxurious lifestyles. This seems very odd to me. What does he do as a side job?
mahmoo 11-18-2008, 03:14 PM This fella was cleared but interesting.
Detective cleared
Truck he purchased from inmate linked to March slaying
Author: DORIS MARICLE; AMERICAN PRESS
November 27, 2007
Article Text:
JENNINGS - A veteran Jeff Davis Parish sheriff's detective has been cleared of wrongdoing in connection with his purchase of a pickup truck that may have been involved in the slaying of a local woman.
The finding follows a seven-month state police investigation of Detective Warren Gary's purchase of the truck from an inmate. ..............
Gary bought the truck from Connie Siler, who had been arrested on worthless-check charges, after she was released from jail on March 30............
Post snipped a bit........Wow, glad you found this article.......has my hinky meter going crazy!! What a coincidence is all I can say.
I'm also wondering why the latest victim, Brittney Gary, was walking alone at dark (last seen at 5:30 pm).....especially in light of the other murders not to mention the fact she had told her mother she was afraid :waitasec:.
As for the body that was found in the middle of the road on the way to the police shooting range.........sounds like whoever is doing this is taunting LE big time.
mahmoo 11-18-2008, 03:17 PM Now what kind of detective has 9 grand just laying around the house?! I have known many detectives. They drove older cars and lived less than luxurious lifestyles. This seems very odd to me. What does he do as a side job?
Good point SS........plus, Jennings is just a little podunk town for the most part........I doubt the pay is very high.
MeoW333 11-18-2008, 04:17 PM Now what kind of detective has 9 grand just laying around the house?! I have known many detectives. They drove older cars and lived less than luxurious lifestyles. This seems very odd to me. What does he do as a side job?
Good point SS! Especially in such a little town where median household income is $24,410.
Maybe he did some wheeling and dealing on the side.. why would he even buy the truck from someone who just got out of jail; being that the truck may have been involved in one of the slayings? hm.. 7 month investigation about the truck is a very long investigation. I can't help but wonder if he may know something or someone involved in the murders of these young women.
capoly 11-18-2008, 05:47 PM Warren Gary CHIEF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR http://www.jeffdavis.net/Wonder if that's a recent promotion? Also this paragraph goes with the Detective cleared/truck story: State police investigators were unable to get a statement from Siler, who is now in Yuba City, Calif., according to the report. Gary and Warden Terry Guillory told investigators that Siler offered to sell the truck to Gary after being notified by Jeff Davis Bank of its impending foreclosure on the truck because of overdue payments. Gary and Guillory allegedly drove the woman to a bank in Lake Arthur in a Sheriff's Office vehicle to complete the transaction after she was released from jail. Before Gary purchased the vehicle, "he had no knowledge that the vehicle was possibly a crime scene," according to the report. Gary had bought the truck to replace another vehicle, but did not like the gas mileage and sold it. ----- Okay, the truck sale had nothing to do with it being tied to a murder or the $6,500 profit. :waitasec: And is anyone else impressed by how accommodating the Warden & Det. Gary were with Ms. Silver? Right to the bank after release! ------------------------------ Sorry to posts bits and pieces but I think there be a copyright issue if full article is posted.
mahmoo 11-18-2008, 11:42 PM Wow......some toasty tidbits you posted capoly......thanks.
In light of the situation, and after much searching (and not coming across a whole lot considering this started in May 2005), it seems as though these murders have kind of been kept hush-hush, on the down-low so to speak.
Bits and pieces are starting to emerge since the number of "assumed" victims is now at 7 (as far as we know) and the situation appears to have really caught the attention of journalists and media in this area.
Looks like there's a very strong possibility that Louisiana has another serial killer on the loose even though officials are reluctant to come right out and say that :waitasec:.
I've been pouring back over what little info we do have right now. I get the feeling that whoever is murdering these young women is not a druggie or drunk themselves. A person that was drugged and/or liquored up would not be able to murder and dispose of those bodies without leaving some type of evidence. Whoever is doing this had their "wits" about them. There also seems to be some merit to the fact that they're leaving the bodies where they'll be discovered rather quickly and all within close proximity of each other. All 7 bodies have been found within a very, very small radius (crime wise). I could be wrong but, I just don't think someone under the "influence" is doing this.
capoly 11-19-2008, 12:27 AM Well here's another bit from Det/Truck article.
Gary bought the truck from Connie Siler, who had been arrested on worthless-check charges, after she was released from jail on March 30. She used the proceeds to pay off the truck loan and make restitution as part of her sentence.
The report indicates that the truck had been rented out by Siler to "two black males" in exchange for cocaine and had been found abandoned in a private driveway while Siler was in jail.
...................
I find it hard to believe this is acceptable legal behavior.
..............
Mahmoo, what are you looking for up there? LOL
capoly 11-19-2008, 01:03 AM April 10, 2008
Section: News
Page: A01
Veteran deputy violated ethics
State board fines ex-investigator for buying truck from inmate
Author: DORIS MARICLE; AMERICAN PRESS
JENNINGS - A former chief investigator with the Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff's Office has been fined $10,000 by the Louisiana Board of Ethics for violating state ethics laws.
The board found Warren Gary violated the ethics code when he bought a truck from an inmate - a vehicle that may have been linked to a murder - and later sold it for profit.
"I received a written correspondence from the Ethics Board stating that they'd reviewed their investigation and found I was basically guilty," Gary said.
The board was scheduled to hear charges today in Baton Rouge, but the issue was removed from the agenda after Gary paid the fine and signed a consent decree agreeing to the board's finding.
mahmoo 11-19-2008, 01:31 AM Mahmoo, what are you looking for up there? LOL Thanksgiving, oven on, man with oven mitts looking for turkey, turkey in next room with lampshade on head (hiding)...... http://bestsmileys.com/lol/1.gif
mahmoo 11-19-2008, 01:49 AM
capoly 11-19-2008, 04:41 AM Thanksgiving, oven on, man with oven mitts looking for turkey, turkey in next room with lampshade on head (hiding)...... http://bestsmileys.com/lol/1.gif:toast: :turkey: :Justice:
capoly 11-19-2008, 04:43 AM
MeoW333 11-19-2008, 11:20 AM "..the people arrested early this year who were allegedly involved with ONE of the girls...they were release due to lack of evidence. But I say it again, when a cop was caught having sex w/a female who had been arrested for prostitution, he disclosed this along with "other information" to a P.I. The cop was arrested and given a bond of $50K which we know that $5k will get you out...I dont think he's in jail and his tri
Tags: JENNINGS 8
Associated Jennings residents.
These people are mentioned in articles and the main thread, I am going to list them all here so new information can be added more easily. Sheriff Ricky Edwards. "It was a cold case when we got it, the body had been there 3-4 days." (Groan - mine.) Working with Serial Killer Task Force. Has not made any determination of "serial" murders yet, because the cause of death is not known in all deaths. Thinks they may be connected. Det. Warren Gary. Jefferson Davis Parish. Heading the murder investigations. Bought truck from Connie Siler for $9K, when she was released from jail on bad check charges. Sold truck to ex-wife of La. State Trooper for $16,500 in Lake Charles, LA. Tip about truck possibly being involved in murder(s) came in after sale. Officer Jesse Ewing. Charged with giving criminal evidence including jailhouse tape of 2 inmates talking about murders and LE involvement/cover-up, to a civilian. (maybe civilian is PI hired by families). Consent decree/fine before hearing. Fired. (?) Rumored to have been caught with known prostitute. Connie Siler. Interviewed as POI in 3 of 4 deaths. While in jail her truck (later bought by W. Gary) was rented out to 2 "black males" in exchange for cocaine and abandoned in a private driveway. (rented out by whom? whose driveway?) Frankie Richard. 52. Charged in death of Kristen Elizabeth Gary Lopez on 5/17/07. Charges dismissed when Tracee Chaisson gave conflicting statements to LE. Has niece, Hannah Conner, 22. Hannah Conner. 22. Charged with Uncle Frankie Richard. Charges dismissed. Bryon Chad Jones. Charged with manslaughter in death of Ernestine Marie Daniel Patterson. Charges dropped for lack of evidence. Lawrence Nixon. Charged with manslaughter along with B. Jones. Charges dropped. Tracee Chaisson. 31. Charged as Accessory After The Fact in the death of Kristen Elizabeth Gary Lopez. (Determination/status of charges presumed dropped by me.) Reported Lopez missing. May be the same Tracee Chaisson who works at Burger King in Jennings and married Dennis Eggleston, Jr. on 5/17/08.
Tags: THE JENNINGS 8
if (PLATFORM.EventMan) PLATFORM.EventMan.triggerEvent('WNStoryRelatedBoxdone'); JENNINGS, LA (KPLC) - The following is a verbatum of what Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff Ricky Edwards said at a press conference about the seven dead women found over the past several years: I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the formation of a Multi-agency Investigative Team. This Team is composed of Law Enforcement Agents from many different agencies. They will work full-time on the investigations of the 7 women who have been found dead in our community over the last 3 ½ years. Since May of 2005, when Loretta Chaisson Lewis was found off of LA 1126, the members of this task force worked to trace Loretta's whereabouts and find out what happened to her. Since that time and when we have found the other six victims, these dedicated men and women have worked tirelessly to determine who is responsible for their deaths and why. Many man-hours over the years have been logged and every law enforcement agency in this area from local to national has assisted. To the many people who have already assisted, I say ‘Thanks'. The formation of this group today, will allow 8-10 people to work full-time and exclusively to these cases. We will continue to search for leads, follow those leads and tips that we receive, and act upon those leads aggressively utilizing every resource that is available to us. The citizens of Jennings, Jefferson Davis Parish, State of Louisiana, and the United States of America, have our word on that. We have opened a new work center where tips can be called in. Our collective hope is that our community will take note of their surroundings, report suspicious behavior, and if they know for fact the reasons why these young ladies of our community have died, to come forward and give that information to this Investigative Team, so that we can bring the individual or individuals to justice. The number to call is (337) 824-6662. We will soon be opening a website that will give information about these young ladies and will allow you to report information via the web. I would like to thank the media for their coverage of these deaths. Sometimes opinions differ as to what and why things are happening. Please understand that I will never speculate or give you my opinion on what is going on in these cases. I will always give you the facts that I have and only if those facts will not compromise the investigation or the future prosecution of these cases. We are not here to speculate, we are and have taken an oath to investigate fully and uphold the Constitution and Laws of the United States, State of Louisiana, Parish of Jefferson Davis, and the City of Jennings. This isn't to say that speculation is not used in law enforcement but the primary basis for decision-making will be based on FACT. Our united concern and mission has been and will always be to catch the killer or killers responsible for taking the lives of seven of our citizens who were daughters, sisters, friends, and some of them mothers, in our community. I ask you the Media to continue to help us put out the facts of the cases, not to speculate or sensationalize, and to quickly put out the information when we ask you. You have all asked whether or not this is a serial killer. The facts that we currently have do not allow me at this time to say with certainty that these cases are all linked. We are working on them individually and collectively. I caution you that the term "Serial Killer" is complicated and conjures images based on "Hollywood shows" of a frightening looking maniac. However most of the time, the offender or offenders in a serial case end up looking as normal as you and me, the typical guy next door. So, when we ask you to call in with information or tips, keep in mind that whoever is responsible for some - if not all of these cases is likely someone who lives in this community or at least visits here and is familiar with the area. Sadly, we need to look to the right and left of us. It could be someone's uncle or father and that is what is painful for our community. I will always give you the facts and pray that you assist us and not speculate. We will continually try to educate our community on what behavioral characteristics to look for. We know with cases like this which have occurred in the United States, this type of offender will have attempted to approach, even hurt other women, but those women got away, or maybe didn't even realize they were in jeopardy or at risk. We know that the offender or offenders has made mistakes. We are holding that information close to the investigation. Although this person looked "normal" there was likely something about him that caused concern. Maybe you described it as the "Creep Factor". This is someone we believe comes across as somewhat arrogant as well. If you have had an experience like this, we want you to please come forward and talk to us. Please don't shrug off an event and just say, "Oh that was nothing." Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. Let law enforcement make that call. Do you know someone who is: Superficially glib and charming Self-Confident Appears non-threatening initially Physically Strong - not to be confused with someone who works out every day at the gym Frequents the area where the girls go missing from Quick to Anger especially if rejected Lures girls with alcohol and drugs (Crack Cocaine) May have a formal criminal record involving assaultive behavior with a knife and may include burglary May not necessarily have a violent criminal history Our community is hurting and grieving the deaths of 7 women. We ask your media audience to pray for our community and for the souls of our 7 citizens. Our investigative team only wants the truth. Once we get the truth, then we can bring the individual or individuals to justice. Our team is comprised of very experienced investigators from 8 separate agencies, local, state, and federal. These men and women have years of experience in working very complicated cases, some of which are serial investigators. Most of these law enforcement officers live in our community or have family that live in our community. We are ALL anxious to solve these cases and bring those responsible to justice. I also currently have the commitment of every Sheriff in the State of Louisiana and the LA Sheriff's Association Task force to provide manpower as needed during this investigation. Again, to report information on the deaths of Loretta, Ernestine, Kristen, Whitnei, Muggy, Shay, and Brittney, please call 337 824-6662. If you are being stalked, harassed, or followed, please call 911 immediately and report it. Jennings and Jefferson Davis Parish will survive these tragic events. My hope and prayer is that we will also grow together as a community, continue to work together, and bring those responsible to justice. Thread Tools  Display Modes  03-09-2009, 10:36 PM The Victims
All information on the victims here. 03-12-2009, 09:19 PM First victim.
Full Name: Loretta Lynn Chaisson Lewis.
Age: 29.
Residence: No address. Jennings,LA.
Date reported missing:
Reported missing by:
Employment:
Spouse:
Spouse's employment:
Children: One child is cousin to child of Whitnei Charlene Dubois, victim - same grandmother.
Parents:
Parents address:
Parents Employment:
Date body found: 5/?/05
Body found by: fishermen
Body location: E. Fork of Grand Marais CANAL off LA1126, 3 miles w. of LA 26.
Race: Caucasian.
Homicide:
COD:
Autopsy findings: High levels of alcohol/drugs in body.
Known activites: Hung out at local SONIC BURGER - presumed to be in Jennings.
Second victim.
Full Name: Ernestine Marie Daniel Patterson.
Age: 30.
Residence: No address. Jennings,LA.
Date reported missing:
Reported missing by:
Employment: WENDY'S HAMBURGERS under supervision of Teresa Gary in Jennings.
Spouse:
Spouse's employment:
Children:
Parents:
Parents address:
Parents Employment:
Date body found: 6/?/05
Body found by: fishermen
Body location: In CANAL off LA99.
Race: African American.
Homicide:
COD:
Autopsy findings: Throat slit.
Known activites:
Third victim.
Full Name: Kristen Elizabeth Gary Lopez.
Age: 21
Residence: No address. Jennings,LA.
Last seen alive 3/5/07.
Date reported missing: 3/15/07
Reported missing by: Tracee Chaisson.
Employment:
Spouse:
Spouse's employment:
Children:
Parents:
Parents address:
Parents Employment:
Date body found: 3/18/07
Body found by: Fishermen.
Body location: Petijean CANAL off LA99.
Race: Caucasian.
Homicide:
COD:
Autopsy findings: High levels of alcohol and drugs.
Known activites:
Other: Niece of Teresa Gary, cousin to Brittany Gary.
Husband hung out with Crystal Benoit Zeno's husband.
Fourth victim.
Full Name: Whitnei Charlene Dubois.
Age: 26
Residence: No address. Jennings,LA.
Last seen alive:
Date reported missing:
Reported missing by:
Employment:
Spouse:
Spouse's employment:
Children: One child is cousin to child of Loretta Lewis, victim, same grandmother.
Parents:
Parents address:
Parents Employment:
Date body found: 5/?/07
Body found by: Unidentified couple.
Body location: Intersection of Bobby and Earl Duhon Roads.
Race: Caucasian
Homicide:
COD:
Autopsy findings:
Known activites:
Other: Found nude.
Fifth victim.
Full Name: Laconia Shontel "Muggy" Brown.
Age: 23.
Residence: No address. Jennings,LA.
Last seen alive:
Date reported missing:
Reported missing by:
Employment:
Spouse:
Spouse's employment:
Children:
Parents:
Parents address:
Parents Employment:
Date body found: 5/?/08
Body found by: LE
Body location: East Racca Road, which leads to shooting range.
Race: African American.
Homicide: Yes.
COD:
Autopsy findings: Throat slit.
Known activites:
Other: Doused with bleach.
Body still warm.
Best friend to Brittany Gary.
Sixth victim.
Full Name: Crystal Benoit Zeno.
Age: 24.
Residence: No address. Jennings,LA.
Last seen alive: 8/27/08
Date reported missing:
Reported missing by:
Employment: SONIC BURGER in Lake Arthur.
Spouse:
Spouse's employment:
Children:
Parents:
Parents address:
Parents Employment:
Date body found: 9/11/08. Positive ID made 11/11/08.
Body found by:
Body location: LaCour Rd.
Race: Caucasian.
Homicide: Yes.
COD:
Autopsy findings:
Known activites:
Other: Husband hung out with husband of Kristen Lopez, victim.
Seventh victim.
Full Name: Brittany GaryAge: 17.
Residence: South Doyle Street. Jennings,LA.
Last seen alive: 11/1/08
Date reported missing: 11/2/08
Reported missing by: Family.
Employment:
Spouse:
Spouse's employment:
Children:
Parents: Mother is Teresa Gary
Parents address:
Parents Employment:
Date body found:
Body found by: Family/friends searching
Body location:
Race: Caucasian.
Homicide:
COD:
Autopsy findings:
Known activites:
Other: Mother is Teresa Gary, claims to know all victims.
Uncle "Butch" Gary.
Last seen at 5:30 pm, Sunday, at FAMILY DOLLAR STORE buying cell phone minutes.
5 block walk from home.
Best friend to Laconia Shontel "Muggy" Brown, victim.
Cousin to Kristen Elizabeth Gary Lopez, victim.
Lived in Houston and Lufkin for 4 months before return to Jennings 1 week before
disappearance.
Tattoo "Crazy Beautiful"
Last edited by DotsEyes; 03-12-2009 at 11:43 PM. 03-12-2009, 10:23 PM First 3 vitims found in CANALS.
Second 3 victims found on ROADS.
Victims 1, 2 and 6 associated with fast food facilities.
Mother of missing 7th presumed victim knew all victims, worked in fast food industry.
Both African American victims had throats slit.
News articles found in "Information" thread here state that "all were found with high levels of alcohol and cocaine in their system" and all were known to "trade sex for drugs". This was stated before Brittany was found, so she is not included in "all".
All were residents of the south side of Jennings. ( I assume this means south of the RR tracks.)
Only 2-3 have been classified as homicides. Assume that Ernestine Lewis and Laconia Brown are 2 so classified, since their throats were slit. No information on identity of 3rd homicide victim.
All except Laconia Brown were found in advanced stages of decomposition. None died where they were found.
Authorities suspect drug connection to all victims.
Ages: 17,21,23,24,26,29,30.
Dates of body discovery: 5/05; 6/05; 3/07; 5/07; 5/08; 9/08; 11/08.
Brittany would have been 13 when first victims, Loretta (29) and Ernestine (30), were murdered and 16 when her best friend Muggy (23) was murdered.  03-17-2009, 02:41 PM Added information from obituary.
Sixth victim.
Full Name: Crystal Benoit Zeno.
Age: 24.
Residence: No address. Jennings,LA.
Last seen alive: 8/27/08
Date reported missing:
Reported missing by:
Employment: SONIC BURGER in Lake Arthur.
Spouse: Stanley Ray Benoit (2d husband). Ray Harrison, 1st husband, preceded Crystal in death.
Spouse's employment:
Children: Amaney Paige Benoit. (F)
Parents: Bryan Lee Benoit. Sarah Ann Gaspard Benoit.
Parents address:
Parents Employment:
Siblings: Zachary Benoit and Melissa Benoit of Lake Arthur and Jennifer Benoit of Egan.
Maternal Grandmother: Joyce McLean, Jennings.
In Laws: Mary Ann and Lional Mouton.
Date body found: 9/11/08. Positive ID made 11/11/08.
Body found by:
Body location: LaCour Rd. Jennings, LA.
Race: Caucasian.
Homicide:
COD:
Autopsy findings:
Known activites:
Other: Husband hung out with husband of Kristen Lopez, victim. 03-23-2009, 01:21 AM Wow, all these people are connected and LE can't figure this one out? There has to be matching DNA on some of the victims. 03-29-2009, 02:25 PM As I gather additional information, I will add to this and re-post with the info. Here, in red:
First victim.
Full Name: Loretta Lynn Chaisson Lewis.
Age: 29.
Residence: No address. Jennings,LA.
Date reported missing:
Reported missing by:
Employment:
Spouse:
Spouse's employment:
Children: One child is cousin to child of Whitnei Charlene Dubois, victim - same grandmother.
Parents:
Parents address:
Parents Employment:
Date body found: 5/17/05
Body found by: fishermen
Body location: E. Fork of Grand Marais CANAL off LA1126, 3 miles w. of LA 26.
Race: Caucasian.
Homicide:
COD:
Autopsy findings: High levels of alcohol/drugs in body.
Known activites: Hung out at local SONIC BURGER - presumed to be in Jennings.
Second victim.
Full Name: Ernestine Marie Daniel Patterson.
Age: 30.
Residence: No address. Jennings,LA.
Date reported missing:
Reported missing by:
Employment: WENDY'S HAMBURGERS under supervision of Teresa Gary in Jennings.
Spouse:
Spouse's employment:
Children:
Parents:
Parents address:
Parents Employment:
Date body found: 6/18/05
Body found by: fishermen
Body location: In CANAL off LA99.
Race: African American.
Homicide:
COD:
Autopsy findings: Throat slit.
Known activites:
Third victim.
Full Name: Kristen Elizabeth Gary Lopez.
Age: 21
Residence: No address. Jennings,LA.
Last seen alive 3/5/07.
Date reported missing: 3/15/07
Reported missing by: Tracee Chaisson.
Employment:
Spouse:
Spouse's employment:
Children:
Parents:
Parents address:
Parents Employment:
Date body found: 3/18/07
Body found by: Fishermen.
Body location: Petijean CANAL off LA99.
Race: Caucasian.
Homicide:
COD:
Autopsy findings: High levels of alcohol and drugs.
Known activites:
Other: Niece of Teresa Gary, cousin to Brittany Gary.
Husband hung out with Crystal Benoit Zeno's husband.
Fourth victim.
Full Name: Whitnei Charlene Dubois.
Age: 26
Residence: No address. Jennings,LA.
Last seen alive:
Date reported missing:
Reported missing by:
Employment:
Spouse:
Spouse's employment:
Children: One child is cousin to child of Loretta Lewis, victim, same grandmother.
Parents:
Parents address:
Parents Employment:
Date body found: 5/?/07
Body found by: Unidentified couple.
Body location: Intersection of Bobby and Earl Duhon Roads.
Race: Caucasian
Homicide:
COD:
Autopsy findings:
Known activites:
Other: Found nude.
Fifth victim.
Full Name: Laconia Shontel "Muggy" Brown.
Age: 23.
Residence: No address. Jennings,LA.
Last seen alive: 5/28/08 by Grandmother
Date reported missing:
Reported missing by:
Employment:
Spouse:
Spouse's employment:
Children:
Parents:
Parents address:
Parents Employment:
Date body found: 5/?/08
Body found by: LE
Body location: East Racca Road, which leads to shooting range.
Race: African American.
Homicide: Yes.
COD:
Autopsy findings: Throat slit.
Known activites:
Other: Doused with bleach.
Body still warm.
Best friend to Brittany Gary.
Sixth victim.
Full Name: Crystal Benoit Zeno.
Age: 24.
Residence: No address. Jennings,LA.
Last seen alive: 8/27/08
Date reported missing:
Reported missing by:
Employment: SONIC BURGER in Lake Arthur.
Spouse:
Spouse's employment:
Children:
Parents:
Parents address:
Parents Employment:
Date body found: 9/11/08. Positive ID made 11/11/08.
Body found by:
Body location: LaCour Rd.
Race: Caucasian.
Homicide: Yes.
COD:
Autopsy findings:
Known activites:
Other: Husband hung out with husband of Kristen Lopez, victim.
Seventh victim.
Full Name: Brittany Gary
Age: 17.
Residence: South Doyle Street. Jennings,LA.
Last seen alive: 11/1/08
Date reported missing: 11/2/08
Reported missing by: Family.
Employment:
Spouse:
Spouse's employment:
Children:
Parents: Mother is Teresa Gary
Parents address:
Parents Employment:
Date body found:
Body found by: Family/friends searching
Body location:
Race: Caucasian.
Homicide:
COD:
Autopsy findings:
Known activites:
Other: Mother is Teresa Gary, claims to know all victims.
Uncle "Butch" Gary.
Last seen at 5:30 pm, Sunday, at FAMILY DOLLAR STORE buying cell phone minutes.
5 block walk from home.
Best friend to Laconia Shontel "Muggy" Brown, victim.
Cousin to Kristen Elizabeth Gary Lopez, victim.
Lived in Houston and Lufkin for 4 months before return to Jennings 1 week before
disappearance.
Tattoo "Crazy Beautiful"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 03-30-2009, 07:18 PM I have been reading about this case all day and have a little bit of info for this list. Betty Jean Chaisson is listed in the obituaries on 3/6/2008, in the Jennings Daily News. She is the first victim's mother. There is a lot of info in the obit on her relatives. 03-31-2009, 03:49 AM Suejay - do you have a link, so I can read the information and do an update?
Or could you post the information for me? 03-31-2009, 07:00 AM I will get you the link I also found a step-mother's obit right around the same period of time in the Jennings Daily News. Strange, both of the mom's were very young to pass away. I am reading and reading on this because it is very familiar to me after the Baton Rouge seriial killer case. I need to go back over the Terms of Service for Websleuths to see what we can post and what we can't. I forgot about full names, etc., as I haven't read them in so long. If you want, I can just pm you the info to post with the links where I found the info till I get more comfortable with what is allowed and what is not. The first obit for, I believe mom, is www.jenningsdailynews.net/obitsarch.php?id=310This link is for the step-mom's obit, www.jenningsdailynews.net/obitsarch.php?id=147
Last edited by suejay40; 03-31-2009 at 07:14 AM. Reason: Add links 03-31-2009, 06:25 PM First victim.
Additional information about Loretta from her mothers obituaries, Betty Jean Chaisson and Patricia Ann Deshotel Lacombe. Thanks to SueJay40! Both claim Loretta as their daughter, so one is a step-mother. Information from Betty is bolded in black, that of Patricia is in red.
Full Name: Loretta Lynn Chaisson Lewis.
Age: 29.
Residence: No address. Jennings,LA.
Date reported missing:
Reported missing by:
Employment:
Spouse: Murphy Lewis
Spouse's employment:
Children: One child is cousin to child of Whitnei Charlene Dubois, victim - same grandmother. Kendrick Lewis and Keylan Lewis
Parents: Betty Jean Chaisson (died 3/4/08, age 48), Thomas "Shawee" Chaisson Also, Patricia Ann Deshotel LaCombe (died 12/21/07, age 50)(bio-mother of Loretta?)
Parents address:
Parents Employment:
Date body found: 5/17/05
Body found by: fishermen
Body location: E. Fork of Grand Marais CANAL off LA1126, 3 miles w. of LA 26.
Race: Caucasian.
Homicide:
COD:
Autopsy findings: High levels of alcohol/drugs in body.
Known activites: Hung out at local SONIC BURGER - presumed to be in Jennings.
Siblings: Shantell Chaisson, (fiancé, Filiberto “George†Maciel), of Lafayette Monique Chaisson, (fiancé, Chris Schlesinger, of Lake Arthur) and Anjele Chaisson of Jennings, Jeremy Chaisson, (wife Patsy) of Lacassine. Step-brothers: Nicholas Chaisson, (wife, Hannah) of Roanoke and Chad Chaisson, (fiancée, Michelle Lantz) of Welsh; Also, Brandy Cormier of Jennings and Bridgett Cormier of Crowley
Maternal Grandparents: Clifford and Ina Deshotel Chaisson, deceased.
Also, Allen and Emily David (deceased) Deshotel 04-04-2009, 10:01 AM  Retired WS Staff Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: East Coast Posts: 5,134 Loretta Lynn Chaisson Lewis
__________________ Some days I feel like a tumbleweed blowing in the wind....
Tags: JENNINGS 8
 Eight women have all been murdered in similar fashion. Among the dead, clockwise: Laconia Brown, Whitnei Dubois, Brittney Gary, and Necole Guillory ​Necole Guillory, a 26-year-old mother of four, was the last to die in Jennings, Louisiana. She was found dumped off Interstate 10 in August. The murder brought the death toll to eight women whose nude or partially clothed bodies have been discarded outside this small two of just 10,546 people. Police won't officially admit they have a serial killer on their hands, but it's hard to believe otherwise...  The killer seems intimate with Jennings, disposing the bodies so evidence could be killed by alligators and the elements. Clockwise: Loretta Lewis, Kristen Lopez, Ernestine Patterson, and Crystal Zeno ​Loretta Chaisson Lewis, 28, was the first woman to turn up dead in 2005, when a fisherman found her floating in a canal. The body of Ernestine Patterson, 30, was found a month later in a drainage canal. Kristen Lopez, 21, and Whitnei Dubois, 26 were killed in similar fashion in 2007. Three women -- Laconia "Muggy" Brown, 23; Brittney Gary, 17; and Crystal Shay Zeno, 24 -- were found in 2008. The recurring motifs in all eight murders are impossible to ignore. Two of the victims had their throats slashed while the rest where found strangled or suffocated. All were found nude or partially clothed. And all except Guillory were dumped along rural roads, suggesting the killer is intimate with the area, and is hoping the alligators and the elements will destroy evidence.
Moreover, the victims were all drug abusers or in some cases traded drugs for sex, according to Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff Ricky Edwards.
Edwards is taking heat from the women's relatives for not caring enough about their plight. In the past, he's repeatedly mentioned the victims' "high-risk lifestyle," leading some to believe his department is unconcerned about a few dead dope addicts. And despite cases that stretch over a four-year period, the coroner has yet to even determine whether the women were sexually assaulted.
But Edwards says he's thrown everything he has at the case, including calling in state police and the FBI.
Below, see video shot by a private detective hired to examine the case. He was staking out an area of Jennings which all the women were known to frequent, and caught Necole Guillory on camera before her death. 8 Deaths in a Small Town, and Much UneaseCAMPBELL ROBERTSON Published: Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 6:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 7:24 a.m. JENNINGS, La. — Every few months for the last four and a half years, someone driving the back roads here in Jefferson Davis Parish has come across a body. 
Click to enlarge The bodies of eight women have been found near Jennings, La., since May 2005, including Kristen Gary Lopez in this canal on March 18, 2007. Buy photo Lee Celano for The New York Times They fit the same pattern: The bodies have been those of young women raised by extended families in the nearby towns of Lake Arthur and Jennings. At some point, the women lost their footing and succumbed to the undercurrent of drugs and prostitution that has been steadily eating away at the parish. Since May 2005, there have been eight such discoveries in this quiet countryside of rice and crawfish farms in southwestern Louisiana. The most recent was in August. The women appear to have been murdered, but most of the bodies were found in such a state of decomposition that the causes of death have not been determined. The victims were black and white, aged 17 to 30. Most knew one another or were even related, members of a small circle in a small town. The deaths have caused considerable soul-searching among victims’ relatives here worried about the plague of drugs and prostitution that might have contributed to the women’s deaths. There has also been anger at what many local residents view as missteps by sheriff’s investigators, like lost or missing evidence, and fury at the possibility that a serial killer might be loose. “Whoever is doing this, I don’t know how they sleep at night,†said Sarah Benoit, the mother of Crystal Benoit Zeno, a cheerful, mischievous 24-year-old whose body was discovered by hunters in a dry canal in September 2008. “I just don’t understand.†Long a stopping-off point for drug traffickers along Interstate 10, Jennings, the parish seat, has a thriving crack trade, which turns many young men to crime and women to prostitution. The sight of young women walking among the derelict houses on the south side of town once brought dismay to parents. Now a woman alone evokes dread. “My girls won’t go anywhere unless someone’s with them,†Ms. Benoit said. At Tina’s, a one-room bar where some of the victims used to come, rumors and theories abound. Law enforcement officials are treating the deaths as if they were murders committed by a “common offender†— a serial killer — but emphasize that is not a sure thing. It is not clear if the deaths are related or — because of decomposition — if they are all even murders. Four people have been arrested or have had arrest warrants issued in connection with the deaths. Two were even held on murder charges for months before being freed because of evidence problems; the other two were never charged. Frankie Richard was one of those two. A onetime owner of local strip joints, Mr. Richard (pronounced REE-shar) has a history of assault arrests. He admits to being a crack addict and claims to have had sex with most of the victims. He was among those last seen with Kristen G. Lopez, whose body was found floating in a canal on March 18, 2007. A woman who was with Mr. Richard and Ms. Lopez at a cheap hotel just before Ms. Lopez disappeared told the police that Mr. Richard and his niece had killed Ms. Lopez. Soon after, the woman recanted her statement. “I have my suspicion about who done it,†Mr. Richard, 54, said, sitting on the front porch of his childhood home on a chilly Sunday afternoon, still reeling from what his mother said was a three-day binge. “But I don’t want to pin the tail on no donkey because I don’t want false allegations to cause a family to go through what mine did.†Mr. Richard was in rehab when one of the victims died, Sheriff Ricky Edwards said. The pace of the investigation, and the apparent mistakes along the way, have tested the town’s patience. In 2007, the chief of detectives in the parish sheriff’s office made a deal to buy a pickup truck from an inmate in the parish jail, a woman he knew to be an acquaintance of one of the victims. A witness later said she saw Ms. Lopez in that same truck on the day of her disappearance, but by then the detective had washed and resold the truck. The detective was fined and taken off the investigation. He now supervises the evidence room at the sheriff’s office. Over time, dissatisfaction has turned to outright suspicion that the local police are involved in or are covering up the deaths. In a small town like Jennings, where law enforcement officers, victims and criminals are often related by blood and friendship, the police’s failings inevitably take on an ominous cast. Some victims’ relatives who consider the police ineffective, or worse, have turned to Kirk Menard, a private investigator with a background in workers’ compensation and insurance fraud cases, but not in homicide. (Mr. Menard is perhaps uniquely qualified in one respect: his stepfather, who died last year, was the brother of Richard E. Hickock, one of the Clutter family killers profiled in Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood.â€) For months, Mr. Menard has been secretly videotaping women who fit the profile of the victims, hoping to catch license plates when the women get into strangers’ cars. This past June, he made a short video of Necole J. Guillory, 26, walking along the street. Two months later, her body was found by weeding crews along Interstate 10. Sheriff Edwards acknowledges that many residents distrust the investigation, but said the dissatisfaction arose mainly out of frustration. In December 2008, he set up a task force of law enforcement officials from nearby parishes, the state police and the F.B.I. Several victims’ relatives said they were reassured by the diligence of the task force, which works out of a nondescript storefront in a rundown strip mall. But for now, investigators are still hoping for a break. “This person will screw up, the right person will come forward and give us some information, and we will be able to bring justice for these ladies,†the sheriff said. The relatives have learned to grieve in uncertainty. Many of the victims had already faced more hardship than anyone should — violent men, rape, mental problems, addiction — but there had always been the hope that, with love and support, they could make it through intact. “It’s the school of hard knocks that they never got a chance to graduate from,†said Sonya Benoit Beard, sitting at her kitchen table over a pool of photographs of her bubbly cousin Whitnei C. Dubois, 26, whose body was found at a rural crossroads in May 2007. Melissa Gary, the mother of Ms. Lopez, said she woke up every morning wondering what had happened to her child. When she shows up for work at the truck stop casino by the highway, she says she wonders if she is coming face to face with the killer. Or the killer could be a complete stranger. She just does not know. Nobody knows. “There’s eight murders in Jeff Davis parish, and not one’s been solved,†Ms. Gary said, breaking down in tears. “Something is wrong in this parish,†she said. “Something is wrong in Jeff Davis Parish.†THERE IS MORE TO COME. 
Tags: THE JENNINGS 8
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Dail Dinwiddie missing since 1992