Louisiana Authorities Investigating July 4th Shooting in South Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana – The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office reported on July 5, 2022, that on July 4, 2022, at approximately 10:30 p.m., CPSO deputies were dispatched to a home on North Lake Court Drive in south Lake Charles for trespassing.
While CPSO Communications deputies were speaking with the complainant, she informed them that there was a suspect outside the home who refused to leave. The complainant then stated that her husband shot the suspect after he attempted to break into their home. When deputies arrived on the scene, they immediately began providing medical assistance until emergency medical personnel arrived. The victim, Lake Arthur resident Joseph Tezeno, 21, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“This is a sad and tragic situation for both families involved. Mr. Tezeno was a good kid that attended college locally. Unfortunately Tezeno was believed to be under the influence and his actions, attempting to gain entry to the home more than once, caused the homeowner to fear for his life, at which time he had every right to protect his family and property,” stated Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso.

The investigation is still ongoing. Detectives are requesting that anyone in the area who may have security cameras contact the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office at (337) 491-3605.

Detective Lauren Manuel of the CPSO is the case’s lead investigator.