Palmetto Man Charged With Attempted First Degree Murder In Home Break In

28-year-old Charles Durell Lavergne of Palmetto sits in the St. Landry Parish Jail on charges of attempted first degree murder, home invasion and theft after allegedly breaking into an 80-year-old woman's home on Carmons Road in Palmetto on May 25.

St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office Spokesperson Captain Megan Vizena says the elderly woman told police that Lavergne came in through a bedroom window during the night, demanded money from her and then strangled her until she lost consciousness. After that, he allegedly ransacked her home looking for money.

“Once the victim regained consciousness, she was able to call for help," says Vizena. "She was also able to give investigators a good description of the suspect.”

Lavergne is currently being held in the St. Landry Parish Jail with no bond.