Natchitoches Police have identified a suspect tied to a double homicide that took place Monday night at a home on Short Seventh Street. An arrest warrant has been issued for 21-year-old Jessie James Petite, Jr. Officer John Greely says upon arrival, they found three gunshot victims.
“Two of the victims sustained fatal injuries while the third was sent to Shreveport with serious injuries,” said Greely.
41-year-old Larry Batiste and 35-year-old Hiram Phillips, Jr. died from their injuries. A female victim is listed in severe condition.
Petite is described as a black male weighing 135 pounds and around 5’7” and is considered to be armed and dangerous. Greely says a motive is still unclear.
“I know that our investigators have been working nonstop trying to piece all of the pieces together,” said Greely.
Greely says anytime a crime of this nature takes place, it leaves the community shaken.
“Anytime there is a violent crime, or really any kind of crime for that matter, we take it very seriously here. We’re a small community and we just want to do the best for our citizens,” said Greely.