Carlyss Shooting Victim Name and Photo of Suspect Released in Deadly October Shooting

By Liora Hawthorne

Published October 24, 2023

Carlyss, Louisiana - On October 23rd, around 3:30 p.m., deputies from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a trailer in Carlyss, near Highway 27, following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies discovered two individuals who had been shot. Unfortunately, Cole A. Sandifer, a 39-year-old resident of Sulphur, was found deceased inside the residence. The other victim was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and is currently in serious condition.

During the initial investigation, the suspect Jonathan J. Waite, aged 22 and also from Sulphur, Louisiana, managed to flee on foot but was apprehended later that same day.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Originally published as Shooting in Carlyss, Louisiana: One Dead, One Serious, Suspect Arrested prior to the victim being named and suspect photo being available.

SWLA Week Ahead: Oct. 19–25, 2026

Early voting opens Tuesday. The Great Pumpkin Trail runs all week at Tuten Park. Saturday packs in LCFD Family Day, a workshop with Dr. Ralph Martin, and the SPAR Boo Bash — and Sunday closes the week with the CalcaChew Festival. Calcasieu Parish Early voting starts...

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