Innocent Bystander Fatally Shot in Lake Charles Drive-By, CPSO Searches for Suspect Vehicle

By Calcasieu Staff
Published March 04, 2024

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Lake Charles, Louisiana – On Saturday, March 2nd at 7:45 p.m., deputies from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office were sent to a home on West Tank Farm Road in Lake Charles, Louisiana in response to a shooting.

An update to this case has been published: Calcasieu Parish Tank Farm Road Drive By Murder Suspect Located and Arrested in Beaumont

At the beginning of the investigation, it was found that there was a drive-by shooting near West Tank Farm Road and Sailfish Drive. Several shots were fired, one of which went through a house and hit a woman inside. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that another nearby home was also hit, but no one was hurt inside.

Annette D. Touvell, a 65-year-old woman from Lake Charles, was taken to a nearby hospital after the incident. She was later declared dead.

Sheriff Tony Mancuso stated that there is no evidence to suggest that this particular home or family was deliberately targeted in the shooting. He expressed sympathy for the victim’s family and referred to the incident as a sad and tragic case where an innocent life was lost to a pointless crime. Mancuso mentioned that detectives are actively pursuing leads and are conducting a thorough search of the neighborhood for additional video footage and potential evidence.

The investigation is ongoing. Detectives have identified a suspicious vehicle and are requesting that anyone in the vicinity with security cameras or information contact CPSO at 337-491-3605. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the CloseWatch Calcasieu app or by calling Crime Stoppers at 337-439-2222.

Detective Lauren Manuel from the CPSO is leading the investigation in this case.

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