Murder Arrest Could Solve Horrific, 16-Year Old Louisiana Case

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One of our state's most horrific and notorious cold-case murders may be coming to a close at long last. According to KALB, officers with the Alexandria Police Department placed David Anthony Burns under arrest for the grisly, 2004 murder of Courtney Coco.

The arrest immediately followed a grand jury indictment of Burns in the now 17-year old cold case. He is being charged with second degree murder for what investigators believe is his role in the death of Coco. The 19-year old Alexandria resident disappeared from her home just 2 days before authorities found her barely identifiable body in an abandoned building some 2 hours away in Winnie, Texas.

In a move to protect the integrity of the case, prosecutors with the Rapides Parish District Attorney's office declined to comment on what discovery or new piece of evidence brought on the arrest. In a public statement, District Attorney Phillip Terrell commended the work of the police department in the matter. He also credited murder podcasts that have featured the case for renewing interest in solving the long-standing mystery.

No further details such as court date or legal representation for burnswas available at the time of this report.