RAPIDES PARISH, La. (KALB) - The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect who was arrested on March 23 in the hit and run that killed former Rapides Parish Sheriff William Earl Hilton.
Ladonna Delrie, 53, of Pollock, was arrested and charged with first degree murder, flight from an officer, criminal damage to property and simple burglary.
RPSO confirmed her bond was set at $5,300,000.
Online rumors have spread that claim Delrie had bonded out, but RPSO clarified that this is not the case. Further, due to the nature of the crime and Hilton’s association with RPSO, Delrie has been transferred to another, unspecified facility, which is standard procedure.
Delrie was previously arrested in January of 2023 for theft and pled guilty in October of 2023 on a lesser charge of criminal mischief.
What led to the arrest
According to RPSO, Hilton had returned to his home in the Hineston area around 1 p.m. on March 23, and found Delrie exiting his residence. When he attempted to make contact with her, she ran him over.
RPSO found Hilton with severe life-threatening injuries. He was taken by helicopter to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Shortly after Hilton was airlifted, RPSO said the suspect’s vehicle was later found speeding eastbound on LA 28 at Leavines Road. Authorities attempted to make a traffic stop, but RPSO said the suspect refused, and a chase ensued, hitting speeds well over 100 mph.
Authorities deployed spike strips and stopped the suspect at LA 28 and Cloverleaf Boulevard, where she was arrested without further issue.
What’s next?
RPSO said the investigation is still very active and ongoing.
On Tuesday morning, officials held a dignified escort of Hilton’s body from Rapides Regional to Lafayette for autopsy purposes.
Later in the evening, law enforcement escorted his body to Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Alexandria.
You can watch our coverage of both here:
As soon as there is official word on memorial services for Hilton, we will provide those updates to the public.