In the early morning hours of April 20, 2019, a tragic home invasion in Broussard, Louisiana, claimed the life of 23-year-old Justin Primeaux. Two masked men broke into the residence, leading to a scuffle during which Justin was shot twice. His girlfriend, who was present during the ordeal, attempted to call for help, but one of the assailants took her phone away. Justin ultimately succumbed to his wounds.
Remembered as a kind and generous person who lit up every room he entered, he was known for his love of hunting, fishing, and cooking out with friends and family.
The investigation into the homicide was conducted by the St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office. A significant piece of evidence left at the scene was a pair of prescription eyeglasses lost by one of the assailants during the struggle. This, along with other evidence, led investigators to identify DeQuincy Lewis as a suspect. Forensic DNA analysis confirmed that the eyeglasses belonged to Lewis. Further investigation revealed that Lewis's physical description matched that of one of the assailants, and he had been seen on social media wearing similar clothing. Cell phone records placed Lewis in the vicinity of the home invasion at the time of the offense. Additionally, a suspect vehicle identified from surveillance footage was nearly identical to a vehicle belonging to one of Lewis's relatives, which Lewis had been seen using about an hour before the crime.
Following the investigation, DeQuincy Lewis was indicted for the first-degree murder of Justin Primeaux. After a four-day trial in August 2024, a St. Martin Parish jury unanimously found Lewis guilty as charged. The conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison at hard labor without the possibility of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. A sentencing hearing was scheduled for October 10, 2024. The case against the second masked individual involved in the home invasion and murder remains ongoing.
