A Lafourche Parish grand jury has indicted three men in two murder cases and a fourth man in a child rape case.
Tremell Batiste, 21, of Napoleonville, was indicted on a second-degree murder charge, interim District Attorney Kristine Russell said in a news release. He is accused of fatally shooting 30-year-old Chansie White Nov. 15 on Ridgefield Road in Thibodaux.
Dontrell Bryant Jr., 19, of Thibodaux, was indicted on charges of accessory after the fact to second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in the same case, Russell said. Thibodaux Police originally charged him with second-degree murder.
Russell said Bryant helped Batiste flee to Assumption Parish and helped dispose of evidence.
Kai Williams, 41, of Thibodaux, was indicted on a second-degree murder charge, Russell said. He is accused of fatally shooting his neighbor, 75-year-old Grace Owens, Nov. 24 outside her home on Midland Drive.
Thibodaux Police said Williams also tried to burn Owens' body. Neighbors claimed he had psychological issues and a history of violence.
Michael Lirette Sr., 66, of Raceland, was indicted on an aggravated rape charge, Russell said. Detectives opened an investigation in October after the alleged victim came forward after about 10 years.
Russell said the victim reported Lirette sexually assaulted her starting when she was about 5 years old and ending when she was about 8 years old.
In Louisiana, a second-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence. So does an aggravated rape conviction.
Being an accessory after the fact can carry up to five years in prison under state law. Obstruction of justice can carry up to 40 years.
-- Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget.mire@dailycomet.com. Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire.