Nathaniel Reynaud, a 35-year-old African American man, was killed on September 25, 2014, in what started as a home invasion in Lake Charles, Louisiana. On that day, three armed and masked men burst into a residence on Allen Street, a location police later described as a known drug house. The intruders demanded money and drugs, creating a chaotic and violent scene.
During the home invasion, Nathaniel Reynaud was shot twice with a large-caliber weapon. The first shot struck him in the lower back, causing him to fall. Subsequently, he was shot again in the back of the head in what was described as an 'execution style' killing. Two other men in the house were also shot but survived their injuries. One of the survivors, Howard Olivier, who lived at the residence, was shot in the leg multiple times before escaping through a window. The other surviving victim, Dwayne Willis, was grazed by a bullet and hit with a sawed-off shotgun.
The investigation into the murder led to the arrest of Ali Lee Barconey, who was 33 years old at the time. He was identified as one of the three intruders. In addition to Barconey, three other individuals were indicted in connection with the crime: William Lee Carter, Bryant Anthony Payne, and Trevis Syntel Barber. Barconey's wife, Ineatta Arrington, was also indicted on a charge of obstruction of justice. During Barconey's trial, two of his co-defendants testified against him in exchange for lesser charges.
In March 2017, Ali Barconey was found guilty of the second-degree murder of Nathaniel Reynaud. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. During the sentencing, Reynaud's mother and wife spoke about the profound loss their family had endured. Barconey maintained his innocence at his sentencing. His conviction and life sentence were later upheld by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
