A Lafourche Parish man was found guilty and charged with 2nd-degree murder in the 2020 drowning death of his girlfriend after a four-day trial. 47-year-old Travis Orso was arrested in 2020 after he murdered Dione Cheramie by drowning in Bayou Lafourche near Cut Off. Lafourche Parish Assistant District Attorney Jason Chatagnier says an argument occurred before the couple left a family members
“For reasons really unknown, Travis Ourso pulled over and then there was a back and forth between Travis and Dione until they ultimately ended up in the Bayou.”
During the investigation, Orso claimed that he and the victim were arguing in his truck when the victim decided to jump into the water and he jumped in to save her. Chatagnier says neighbors refuted that claim.
“A neighbor asked what was going on and was told by Travis Orso he needed help, his girlfriend was drowning. When he turned back, that’s when he first saw Dione’s body. The defendant was pushing it. She was face down and unresponsive.”
Witnesses said the defendant was cursing and calling the victim obscene names and drinking beer of one of an individual who rushed to help. Evidence also revealed the victim had blunt force trauma, bruises, and gashes over her body. Chatagnier says after canvassing the area, video surveillance helped to convict the suspect.
“The video was able to show prior to those individuals that came to assist the defendant was seen coming out of the Bayou alone and he spends quite some time at the vehicle not going to get help. Not trying to assist Dione Cheramie or save her life.”
Orso faces a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. His sentencing date is July 14.
Comments