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CAMPTI, La. — Natchitoches Parish sheriff’s detectives have arrested a Campti man in connection with a homicide investigation that occurred early Wednesday morning in the Village of Campti, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
Tremaine Lyndell Johnson, 43, of Lake Street in Campti, was booked into the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center at approximately 12:01 p.m. and charged with one count of second-degree murder in connection with the death of Everett J. Waldrup, 62, of Campti.
At approximately 1:02 a.m. Wednesday, deputies and EMS personnel were dispatched to a report of a possible stabbing inside a mobile home in the 200 block of Lake Street in Campti. The caller said a relative was suffering from what he believed to be stab wounds and blunt force trauma.
Deputies found Waldrup on the floor with life-threatening blunt force trauma injuries. Emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures; however, those efforts were unsuccessful. Natchitoches Parish Coroner Steven Clanton pronounced Waldrup dead at the scene.
Waldrup’s body was taken for an autopsy to determine the official manner and cause of death. Two NPSO detectives and Clanton are attending the autopsy.
Detectives interviewed potential witnesses and processed the crime scene, collecting evidence. Through the course of the investigation, detectives developed Johnson as a person of interest.
Johnson was located in Campti and taken to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau, where he was interviewed. Based on the interview and additional evidence, investigators established sufficient probable cause to arrest him.
Detectives said Johnson and Waldrup are related.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Waldrup during this difficult time. We are committed to conducting a thorough and professional investigation to ensure justice is served," Wright said.
District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington has been briefed and offering any available resources to assist in the investigation.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau at 318-357-7830. All information will remain confidential.https://www.ktbs.com/news/npso-investigating-campti-homicide-suspect-questioned/article_6261b27a-9c38-494e-8fec-520fc57dea1f.html