Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Detectives are investigating what appears to have been a double murder-suicide Sunday afternoon.
Patrol deputies responded to the 500 block of Braxton Dr. in unincorporated Youngsville in reference to three deceased individuals. Based on the initial investigation, detectives say 36-year-old Brett Richardson shot and killed his wife Kasie Richardson, 33, and his 6-year-old son before turning the gun on himself. No one else was at the residence when the shooting took place.
After reaching out to the Lafayette Parish School System, we learned that the child was a student at Green T. Lindon Elementary School in Youngsville. The following statement was provided by LPSS:
"The Lafayette Parish School System is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a Green T. Lindon Elementary student this past weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, teachers, and the entire school community as they process this heartbreaking loss. Additional counselors and support staff are on campus and will remain available throughout the week to support students and employees who may need assistance. LPSS extends its deepest condolences to all who are grieving."
Neighbors in the area said they are still processing the tragedy.
Jaden and Celia Romero live down the street, and said they were coming back from church Sunday night when they noticed a heavy police presence nearby.
"You hear about stuff like this all the time, but you never expect it to happen so close to where you're at...this is a very quiet neighborhood--very family-friendly; everybody participates and decorates for Christmas, Halloween, but you know--you’re not immune."
This case remains under investigation, no further details are available at this time.
Faith House serves survivors of domestic violence throughout Acadiana, offering shelter, advocacy, and educational programs.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, texting 988 or visit thehotline.org for confidential support 24/7.
