Eunice Police have arrested a 17-year-old suspect in connection with the Dec. 27, 2018, shooting death of Scott Daville in the 500 block of Juanita Street.
The suspect was taken into custody in Lake Charles on the charges of first-degree murder and aggravated burglary, Fontenot said in a news release.
The suspect’s identity is being withheld pending court proceedings.
An arrest warrant was obtained by Eunice Police Department after an important piece of evidence was obtained last week.
Police Chief announced the arrest in the nearly year-old case on Monday.
the suspect was 16 years old at the time of the homicide, he said.
Police said Daville was shot after he interrupted the burglary of his pickup truck out side his residence at about 5:30 a.m.
Daville died at a Lafayette hospital from a single bullet wound to his torso
“The victim was outside when he noticed a vehicle pulled up in front of house,” police detective Robert Brickley said at the time. “As he starts looking, he notices somebody was inside of his vehicle. He went to approach. As he approached the vehicle gunshots rang out striking the victim.“
He added, “This murder hit our community hard and touched the lives of many people. It took nearly an entire year, but now the family may begin to have some closure.”
Fontenot said he and Brickely, lead investigator, ”thank the Daville family for their patience during this long investigation. Rather than rush to make an arrest, police needed to take their time in building a good solid foundation in this case. “
Fontenot’s news release included a statement from the Daville family: “On behalf of the Daville family, we would like to thank the Eunice Police Department, the State Police, the Eunice City Marshall’s Office, and law enforcement agencies in the surrounding areas for working diligently to seek justice for Scott Daville. Thank you to Sgt. Robert Brickley for never giving up, his passion for his profession, and his compassion for our family. It has been a long process, but we have been hopeful for justice. Thank you to our community for the kindness you have shown to our family, and for the relentless prayers. We are forever thankful. Our God is faithful and just.”
The crime sparked the start of a Neighborhood Watch program in Eunice in January.
“This case was featured on a St. Landry Parish Crime Stoppers segment and we thank St. Landry Crime Stoppers for their assistance. Thanks also go out to the Eunice City Marshals Office, Ville Platte Police Department, Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, and Lake Charles Police Department for assistance during the investigation and apprehension of the suspect,” the news release stated.
