Vinton, Louisiana - On July 8, 2024, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office (CPSO) responded to a distressing call at the Louisiana Welcome Center in Vinton, where witnesses reported spotting a body in the water. Deputies arrived at the scene around 3:00 p.m. and found the body of an African American child floating in the water behind the center.
An update has been published regarding this case:
The CPSO Marine Division was promptly deployed to recover the body, which they successfully did. Although no obvious signs of injuries were apparent, the investigation is ongoing, and the coroner will determine the cause of death.
Sheriff Stitch Guillory expressed his condolences, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we have to share the news of the young boy found earlier today." He added, "At this time, we continue to have detectives on the scene and are working to identify him."
The CPSO has checked with local agencies in the area, as well as in Texas, and has not found any reported missing child cases that match the description of the deceased. The authorities are now appealing to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information or those who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area of the Vinton Welcome Center to come forward.
Sheriff Guillory emphasized, "We are asking anyone who may have information or anyone who may have been in the area of the Vinton Welcome Center and observed any suspicious activity, no matter how minimal it may seem, to call CPSO at 337-491-3605."
The investigation is ongoing, and the CPSO is working diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding the child's death.