Vernon Parish, Louisiana - Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office Sheriff Sam Craft has announced the arrest of Ozell Craft Sr., 44, from Leesville, Louisiana on December 22, 2023. The office received a call at around 6:48 a.m. reporting a deceased woman near an apartment complex on the Alexandria Highway.

Upon arrival, deputies and detectives found the deceased woman with visible injuries. Witnesses identified her as Tamika Cannon, 40, also from Leesville. Further investigation revealed that Cannon's estranged husband, Ozell Craft, lived in the same apartment complex.

Although Craft was not found at the scene, information later indicated that he had gone to a relative's home in Chicot County Arkansas during the early morning hours. A warrant for one count of Second Degree Murder was obtained for Craft after thorough investigation.

VPSO Detectives collaborated with the Chicot County Sheriff's Office and successfully took Craft into custody without any issues. He was then transported to Lake Village Jail in Lake Village, Arkansas where he signed a waiver of extradition and will be brought back to Vernon Parish. The investigation into this incident is still ongoing.

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.