In the quiet community of Ville Platte, Louisiana, the life of 33-year-old Harley David Brecken, a male crane mechanic, was tragically cut short. On the evening of Thursday, April 30, 2020, what began as a verbal altercation at his residence on Rock Pit Road escalated into a fatal encounter. Brecken was visited by a man later identified as Branson Chase Vidrine, and a dispute erupted between them.
The argument took a violent turn when Brecken sustained a gunshot wound to his chest.
Following the shooting, the assailant fled the scene, leaving Brecken critically injured. Emergency services were dispatched, and he was airlifted to Rapides Medical Center in Alexandria for urgent medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Harley David Brecken succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead the following morning, on Friday, May 1, 2020. Remembered as a kind and loving father, son, and brother, he was an avid fisherman who cherished spending time with his family and three children.
The investigation into the shooting was swiftly undertaken by the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office. Their inquiries quickly led them to identify Branson Chase Vidrine as the suspect. With the assistance of the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office, Vidrine was apprehended in Glenmora and taken into custody. An arrest warrant was issued, and he was charged with second-degree murder.
