Lake Charles, Louisiana - The Lake Charles Police Department arrested a 47-year-old man for second-degree murder after a fatal domestic shooting that occurred in late October on Texas Street.
Brett Fontenot faces second-degree murder charges in connection with the death of his wife, 47-year-old Laura Fontenot, according to a statement released by the Lake Charles Police Department on November 18. The incident took place on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at 3:23 a.m. in the 3800 block of Texas Street.
Officers responded to an Emergency Assist call at the residence, where they discovered Laura Fontenot deceased from a gunshot wound. Brett Fontenot was also found at the scene with a gunshot wound and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
The investigation, led by Sgt. Benjamin Randolph, revealed that the couple had engaged in an argument earlier that evening at a different location. After returning to their Texas Street residence, Brett Fontenot allegedly produced a firearm and shot Laura before turning the weapon on himself in what investigators believe was an attempted suicide.
Following the shooting, Brett Fontenot remained hospitalized at a Baton Rouge medical facility for nearly three weeks while recovering from his injuries. On Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, Lake Charles Police traveled to Baton Rouge to execute an arrest warrant.
Authorities transported Brett Fontenot back to Lake Charles, where he was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. His bond has been set at $1.5 million.
The Lake Charles Police Department continues to investigate the case and is requesting anyone with information about the incident to contact the department directly or submit an anonymous tip through the Lake Charles PD app.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.