Opelousas, LA — A 79-year-old Opelousas man has been arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder following a Wednesday night shooting that left a woman hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the chest.
According to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, deputies responded to reports of gunfire at the Cardinal Inn Motel in Opelousas. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the motel room empty but discovered a trail of blood leading away from the area.
Deputies followed the trail to a nearby mobile home located behind a storage facility close to the motel. There, they found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound to her chest. She was immediately transported to a local hospital, where officials say she is expected to recover.
The victim told investigators that she and the suspect, identified as Leo Demouchet Sr., had rented the motel room together. After an argument broke out, Demouchet reportedly left the room, only to return later. The argument resumed, and the woman claimed Demouchet then shot her.
Following a brief investigation, Demouchet was taken into custody and booked on one count of attempted second-degree murder.
“A quick response by responding deputies likely saved the victim’s life. A thorough investigation resulted in an immediate capture of the suspect. All in all, a job well done,” said Sheriff Guidroz in a statement.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim. The investigation remains ongoing.