Louisiana Man Dies After Reportedly Setting His Home on Fire During a Domestic Dispute

Vernon Parish, Louisiana - The Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office reported on December 1, 2022, that on November 29, 2022, at around 12:46 p.m., they were notified of a domestic disturbance involving a firearm at a residence near O'Hara Road.

When deputies arrived, they were reportedly confronted by a female who claimed that she and her husband had been involved in a domestic incident.
The female stated that her husband brandished a gun at one point during the dispute. The female reported that he had refused to let her leave the residence, but she was eventually able to calm him down enough for them to walk outside.

The female stated that she escaped on foot and her husband reentered their home, where she noticed what appeared to be a fire inside the front section of the house.
Deputies reportedly approached the house while issuing loud verbal instructions to the male subject to exit the dwelling.
Deputies did notice a small amount of smoke coming from the residence at the time.

Deputies were able to make cell phone contact with the male subject, who refused to leave the house.
Deputies noticed an increasing amount of smoke and flames in the front of the house a short time later.

As the fire spread, Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office deputies, Louisiana State Police Troopers, Sandy Hill Fire Department firefighters, and Fort Polk personnel reportedly launched a frantic effort to gain entry and locate the male suspect within the property.

Three Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office Deputies were able to gain entrance into the residence at around 2:49 p.m. and discovered the male victim deceased. A self-inflicted gunshot wound was determined to be the cause of death.

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office and the Vernon Parish Coroner's Office arrived at the scene to investigate the event.

Vernon Parish Sheriff Craft commended all of the agencies that responded to the location. He said that these first responders worked together seamlessly in an effort to prevent this tragedy.

Vernon Parish Sheriff Craft and the employees of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office also expressed their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.