Lake Charles, Louisiana - A Lake Charles woman faces serious charges after a deadly series of events on May 23 that resulted in the death of a local man. According to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) and Louisiana State Police, the incident unfolded shortly after midnight near Opelousas Street and August Drive in Lake Charles.

Authorities report that Gene R. Hill, Jr., 42, of Lake Charles, was fatally struck by passing vehicles after a violent altercation involving Tonnisha O. Mitchell, 43, also of Lake Charles. The initial investigation by Louisiana State Police determined that Hill was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Mitchell. Witnesses told deputies that the two began arguing, prompting Mitchell to stop the vehicle. Both exited the car, after which, according to witness statements, Mitchell armed herself with a bat and struck Hill repeatedly in the head and body.

Hill fell to the ground as a result of the assault. Witnesses said he was unable to move out of the roadway on his own. Tragically, he was struck by two passing vehicles while still lying in the street. The drivers of the vehicles were not identified in the initial report.

After the incident, investigators say Mitchell left the scene in her vehicle. Law enforcement later learned that she attempted to destroy and discard evidence at multiple locations before returning to her residence, where deputies located and arrested her.

Mitchell has been booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center on charges of second-degree battery and manslaughter. According to the sheriff’s office, her bond is pending.

CPSO Sgt. Thomas Poore was the arresting deputy, and Detective Matthew Fast is leading the ongoing investigation. Both the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police continue to work together on the case.

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.