On June 28, 2025, in Plainfield, Indiana, Evelie LaCroix, a female nurse described by friends as joyful and outgoing, was fatally shot in her home. The incident unfolded after Steeve Chavannes, a 47-year-old man identified as her estranged husband, arrived at her residence with a friend under the pretense of retrieving personal belongings. Chavannes had previously been removed from the home following a history of domestic disputes, and LaCroix had obtained a protective order against him earlier
that month after he was discovered hiding near her property.
Upon their arrival, LaCroix's daughter met the men outside and informed them that her mother was at work, though LaCroix was actually asleep inside. While the friend drove Chavannes away from the property, Chavannes asked to be let out of the vehicle. Unknown to the driver at that moment, Chavannes had allegedly removed a firearm from the friend’s trunk during their brief stop at the house. The friend, realizing the weapon was missing and fearing for LaCroix's safety, attempted to return to the scene.
Back at the residence, LaCroix's daughter heard a loud pop followed by the sound of shattering glass as Chavannes reportedly broke through a patio door to gain entry. She then heard additional gunshots and her mother’s screams, which suddenly ceased. When the daughter attempted to enter her mother's bedroom, the door was locked or blocked, but she observed blood and saw Chavannes inside. Police arrived to find LaCroix deceased from gunshot wounds in her bedroom. Chavannes was found near the front door, conscious but suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Chavannes was transported to a hospital where he was stabilized. Upon regaining the ability to communicate, he allegedly confessed to investigators, stating that he shot LaCroix because she was 'disrespecting' him and that his intention was to end her life. Authorities charged Chavannes with murder, burglary, and domestic battery in violation of a protective order. Court documents revealed a troubled history, including a previous allegation that Chavannes had stabbed LaCroix with a screwdriver, an incident for which she had reportedly forgiven him before the violence escalated to this fatal conclusion.
