We’re learning more about the victims and suspect in today’s double murder-suicide in Port Barre.
According to police, Michael Dupont Jr. shot and killed his ex-girlfriend, Skylar Kimble, and her new boyfriend, Christopher Boudreaux, before taking his own life. They were all in their 20s.
The murders are the first in Port Barre in more than a decade, according to Police Chief Deon Boudreaux (no relation to the victim).
“When I heard what happened, it was just mind-boggling, for someone that young, a life to be taken that soon. It’s horrible, man,” said Hogan Keiser who went to school with Kimble, the female victim. “If you knew Skylar, she was just an awesome person. She knew how to make everyone smile, she could cheer anyone up. I mean there’s no words to describe her.”
According to police, officers were called to Kimble’s home at the corner of Choctaw and Pawnee St. by the killer himself.
“This guy called and he said ‘I just killed my ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend and I’m about to commit suicide,’” said Chief Boudreaux.
By the time officers got to the scene, just a few minutes later, it was already too late. All three victims were found dead.
“It’s a tragedy, I know the family of the young lady very well, I can tell you it’s a very sad situation, it really is,” said the Chief who grew up knowing Kimble’s father.
According to police, Kimble dated Dupont for years, but broke up a few months ago and started dating Boudreaux.
The police chief says domestic abuse cases are common for law enforcement, but it never gets easier when the situation escalates and someone loses their life.
“You can’t prevent these types of things. You don’t know when someone’s hurt or broken hearted. You don’t know what’s going on in their mind or what they’re really capable of doing. And speaking with some of the family of the shooter, I’ve heard a couple of them say ‘I would’ve never thought he’d do something like that,’” said the police chief.
Unfortunately, these types of situations are all too common in Louisiana.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Louisiana is the second deadliest state for women in the country. 81% of female homicides in the state are committed by a partner or an ex-partner.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
