In the late hours of a Monday evening in Natchitoches, Louisiana, tragedy struck, leaving a community in mourning and law enforcement in pursuit of justice. On January 27, 2020, officers from the Natchitoches Police Department were dispatched to the 900 block of Short Seventh Street following reports of a disturbance. Upon their arrival at approximately 10:17 p.m., they discovered a grim scene. Inside a residence, 41-year-old Larry Batiste, a Black male, and 35-year-old Hiram Phillips Jr.
had been fatally shot. A third individual, a female, was also found at the scene suffering from gunshot wounds and was transported to a Shreveport hospital in severe condition.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly identified two suspects. The Natchitoches Police Department issued arrest warrants for Jessie James Petite Jr., 21, and Daerieon Latchie, 17, both of Natchitoches. Both men are wanted on two counts of First Degree Murder and two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder. Authorities cautioned the public that both suspects were to be considered armed and dangerous and urged anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact the police.
Larry Wayne Batiste was born on September 3, 1978, to Vella Batiste Helire and Jerry LaCaze. Known for his upbeat and happy personality, he was a man who loved his family, rapping, and writing music. He shared his life with Angela 'Moochie' Robinson. A memorial service and balloon release were held to celebrate his life at MLK Park, where attendees were asked to wear blue t-shirts in his honor. The community was left to grapple with the sudden and violent loss of two of its members as the search for the alleged perpetrators continued.
