In the quiet town of Amite City, Louisiana, the life of 75-year-old Marc Francis Brocato, a male resident, came to a tragic end in the spring of 2025. His death, which is believed to have occurred on either March 31st or April 1st, was not discovered until days later, sending ripples of shock through the community. On the afternoon of Thursday, April 3rd, concerned individuals requested a welfare check at the Brocato residence on Eastwood Drive after being unable to reach the family for several
days. Responding deputies from the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office made a grim discovery, finding Marc's wife, 66-year-old Priscilla Brocato, deceased inside their home. Later that afternoon, the search of the property revealed the body of Marc Brocato as well.
The immediate focus of the investigation turned to the couple's son, 34-year-old Joshua Brocato, who was unaccounted for, along with a white van belonging to the family. Initially considered a person of interest, the case against him quickly escalated. Following autopsies, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office issued an arrest warrant for Joshua Brocato on two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting deaths of his parents. By this time, it was believed that Joshua had already fled the state, prompting a multi-state alert for the missing van.
A significant break in the case came a day later, on April 4th, when law enforcement in Los Angeles, California, located the wanted white Ford E-150 van parked on Fairfax Avenue. Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department conducted a traffic stop and arrested the sole occupant, who was confirmed to be Joshua Brocato. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of body armor and several loaded firearms, including an assault rifle. The motive for the killings remains unclear.
Following his capture, Joshua Brocato faced legal proceedings in California for multiple firearms offenses, including possession of a loaded unregistered firearm and possession of an assault weapon. He subsequently waived extradition and was transported back to Louisiana to face the more serious charges related to the deaths of his parents. On April 17, 2025, he was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Prison. In addition to the two counts of first-degree murder, he was also charged with manufacturing/cultivating marijuana, manufacture/distribute/possession of hallucinogenic plants, and possession of weapons while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
