MURDER SUSPECT ARRESTED

MAY 11, 2011

     District Attorney Trent Brignac and Ville Platte Chief of Police Neil Lartigue announced today the arrests of a  Ville Platte man in the May 6^th murder of Mr. Tuc-Do which occurred during an armed robbery of his nail salon located at 625 West Main Street in Ville Platte. Dannie Lee Lafleur Jr. age 21,  of 1206 Peach Street, Ville Platte, was arrested for First Degree Murder and Armed Robbery in conjunction with the incident in question. His bond has been set at $1 million dollars. He may face further charges, according to the District Attorney. There is the possibility of an accomplice in the crime. However no other arrests have been made at this time. Chief Lartigue said the suspect does not have a crime record as an adult.

     According to Brignac and Lartigue on the Monday morning following the Friday incident, representatives of local and state law enforcement agencies met at Ville Platte City Hall to discuss a recent rash of burglaries and robberies in the Evangeline Parish area. Present were Brignac, Lartigue, Sheriff Eddie Soileau, Mayor Jennifer Vidrine and State Police Captain Scott Perry and others.

     Swift action was then taken to prioritize and expedite the criminal laboratory analysis of physical evidence found in and around the criminal scene. The expedited analysis by the State Police Crime Lab combined with the joint investigation by local and state law enforcement led to the arrest of the suspect who is believed to be involved in many of the other recent area crimes. Both the District Attorney and Police Chief say it was DNA evidence that helped solve the case.

    “We are very happy with the arrest in this case” said Brignac and Lartigue. “Law enforcement worked around the clock gathering evidence and locating the person in this case. We will continue working diligently to locate and arrest persons committing crimes within our city.

     The case remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313.

     Brignac complimented the efforts of Chief Lartigue and Asst. Chief Chip matte as well as Detectives Don Smith and Joey Plywood” Fontenot for their ongoing efforts in this investigation.