In the quiet community of Sulphur, Louisiana, a tragic event unfolded on October 23, 2023, claiming the life of 39-year-old Cole Anthony Sandifer, a white male. The incident, which sent ripples of shock and grief through the area, took place at the Sweet Gum Mobile Home Park in the nearby community of Carlyss. Authorities were dispatched to the mobile home park in the afternoon following reports of gunfire.
Upon their arrival, deputies from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office
discovered a grim scene inside one of the residences. Cole Sandifer was found deceased, having succumbed to gunshot wounds. Alongside him, his longtime companion, 43-year-old Brittany Ann Prather, was found with life-threatening injuries. She was immediately transported to a local hospital for medical attention. Tragically, a few days later, on October 26, 2023, Brittany Prather also passed away as a result of her injuries. The couple shared a daughter, who was left to mourn the sudden loss of both of her parents.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly led to a suspect. Jonathan Joseph Waite, who was 22 years old at the time of the incident, was apprehended by law enforcement shortly after the shooting, about a block away from the crime scene. The motive for the shooting was described by the Sheriff as potentially being 'domestic in nature.'
Following his arrest, Jonathan Joseph Waite was initially charged with one count of second-degree murder and one count of attempted second-degree murder. However, after Brittany Prather's death, the charges against him were upgraded to two counts of second-degree murder. A judge set his bond at $650,000. The case against Waite is now proceeding through the legal system.
