Three Indicted for Murder in South Louisiana, Including Cold Case

ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. (KPEL News) — The St. Landry Parish Grand Jury has returned murder indictments against three individuals in separate cases, including one tied to a cold case that began nearly nine years ago.

Cold Case Break Leads to Indictment in 2016 Disappearance

On Friday, Jordan Jamal Barnes, 33, was indicted for second-degree murder in connection with the death of Erica Hunt, who was first reported missing in July 2016.

For more than two years, the case remained cold — until December 2018, when human remains were discovered inside a barn in rural Ville Platte. The remains remained unidentified until 2024, when forensic experts from LSU’s FACES Lab, along with DNA analysis, confirmed they were those of Ms. Hunt.

The Louisiana State Police reopened the investigation following the identification, ultimately leading to Barnes’ arrest and confession.

Teen Indicted for Opelousas Shooting Death

Also indicted was Joseph E. Thomas, 18, who is charged with second-degree murder for a fatal shooting that occurred on January 2, 2025, on the 800 block of Joseph Street in Opelousas.

The victim, a 15-year-old juvenile, has not been publicly identified due to age. Authorities have not released further details about a possible motive or connection between the suspect and victim.

Suspect Charged in February Murder of Missing Woman

The most recent case involves Irving Cisneros Arguelles, 24, who was indicted for first-degree murder in the death of Jorlany Osario Beitez.

Ms. Beitez was reported missing on February 17, 2025. Days later, law enforcement located Arguelles in the Beggs area along Highway 10, where he was seen discarding a phone later determined to be the victim’s.

Officers also discovered Ms. Beitez’s burned SUV in a nearby field along the 3500 block of Highway 10. Her body was later found floating on the bank of a nearby bayou.

Possible Penalties and Ongoing Investigation

Under Louisiana law, a conviction for second-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence without parole. First-degree murder convictions can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.

As of now, prosecutors have not decided whether to pursue capital punishment in Arguelles’ case.

The St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office, along with state and local agencies, will continue pursuing justice as each of these cases moves forward.

Louisiana’s Worst Speed Traps

Driving through Louisiana? You might want to hit the brakes—fast. Several towns across the state are notorious for sudden speed drops and aggressive ticketing practices. These speed traps aren’t just about keeping roads safe; many small municipalities depend on traffic fines to fund their budgets. From hidden patrol cars to sharp speed limit changes, here are Louisiana’s worst speed traps and tips to help you avoid an unwanted ticket.

Gallery Credit: Joe Cunningham