Lynda Maxine Pierce Palmer, a 75-year-old female, entered into eternal rest on April 12, 2021, in Mansfield, Louisiana. Her life was tragically cut short during an armed robbery at her place of employment. Palmer was working the night desk at the Best Western Plus DeSoto Inn & Suites in Mansfield when a man, later identified as 20-year-old Terry Dewayne Powell of Mansfield, entered the establishment. Powell stole cash and, in the process, shot and killed the beloved mother and grandmother.
He also shot and attempted to rob a motel guest before fleeing the scene.
The authorities quickly launched an investigation into the violent slaying that had shaken the small Louisiana community. Their efforts led to the identification and arrest of Terry Dewayne Powell as the primary suspect in the murder of Lynda Palmer and the shooting of the motel guest. The case proceeded through the justice system, culminating in a trial where the full extent of Powell's actions on that fateful night was brought to light.
In January 2022, a jury found Terry Dewayne Powell guilty of the second-degree murder of Lynda Palmer. In addition to the murder charge, he was also convicted of attempted second-degree murder, armed robbery, and attempted armed robbery. The following month, a judge sentenced him to life in prison plus an additional 50 years for his crimes. During the sentencing, members of Lynda Palmer's family, including her daughters and son, gave emotional victim impact statements, describing their profound loss and the vibrant woman their mother was. Powell reportedly showed no remorse for his actions and was removed from the courtroom after making inaudible statements as the judge prepared to impose the sentence.
