In a tragic turn of events on the evening of October 4, 2021, 32-year-old Lanae Mouton and her 11-month-old daughter, Ava, were killed in their Phoenix, Arizona, apartment. The incident unfolded near 83rd Avenue and Thomas Road when Lanae's estranged husband, 34-year-old Louis Mouton III, arrived at the residence to discuss their relationship. Following their conversation, Lanae returned to her apartment with their infant child.
Shortly after, Louis Mouton allegedly forced his way into the home by kicking in the door and began shooting. Lanae and baby Ava sought refuge in a bedroom closet, but he found them and fired multiple shots, fatally wounding them both. The other three of Lanae's children were not present at the time of the shooting, as they were with a relative. Neighbors described the family as nice and were shocked by the violent outburst.
When police arrived at the scene, they found Louis Mouton in the parking lot, where he was reportedly yelling, 'They made him do it.' He was taken into custody without further incident. During questioning, he told investigators that he suffered from schizophrenia and was influenced by 'spirits and aliens.' He also claimed that he had attempted to take his own life after the shootings, but the handgun was out of ammunition.
Louis Mouton III was arrested and faced charges including first-degree murder and burglary. A judge set his bond at $2 million. Court records revealed a history of domestic violence, including a 2017 conviction in California for corporal injury to a spouse. In 2018, Lanae had filed for divorce and obtained a temporary restraining order against him. Her family expressed immense grief and spoke about her desire to get away from the relationship for good, hoping her story could help prevent similar tragedies.
