430PM LRN News

Southeast Louisiana remains under a tornado watch, and scattered flash flood watches are warnings are in effect until 6 PM tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s nasty, and likely means street flooding.

Cut 3 (12) “…more rainfall.”

One of the two men being sought for a December 16th double murder near Lacassine has turned himself in. 21-year-old Jordan Legros is suspected to have participated in the robbery/murder. Authorities say 23-year-old Javari Guidry, who allegedly also played a part in the murder/robbery is still in hiding, and Jefferson Davis Chief Deputy Chris Ivey says they’re asking for help from the public.

Cut 7 (09) “…and dangerous.”

The search currently involves agencies in both Louisiana and Texas. The alleged incident left Walter and Darlene Gotreaux dead in their home.

A Texas motorist traveling on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge was arrested yesterday for allegedly performing lewd acts on himself with his two young girls in the car. It’s not currently known whether or not 47-year-old James Toomey of Spring, Texas is a registered sex offender, but State Police Sergeant Jared Sandifer says he been separated from his two daughters.

Cut 13 (11) “…had four victims.”

Toomey was reported by another motorist on I-10.

The effort of law enforcement to focus on highway safety by curbing fatalities caused by impaired drivers has seen many arrests in central and northern Louisiana.  State Police spokesperson Trooper Glenn Younger says  the goal is to have zero DWI fatalities, so anything that can be done to get closer to that goal is a good thing.

Cut 10 (09) “…on our roadways.”

3:30 PM Newscast

One of the two men being sought for a December 16th double murder near Lacassine has turned himself in. 21-year-old Jordan Legros is suspected to have participated in the robbery that left Walter and Darlene Gotreaux dead in their home. Jefferson Davis Chief Deputy Chris Ivey says Legros presented himself unannounced to authorities.
Cut 6 (08) “…courthouse.”
Walter was the former president of the Lake Charles Cajun French Music Association.
The effort of law enforcement to focus on highway safety by curbing fatalities caused by impaired drivers has seen many arrests in central and northern Louisiana.  State Police spokesperson Trooper Glenn Younger says in the three troop areas for Bossier City, Monroe, and Alexandria have netted 97 DWI arrests over the Christmas weekend.
Cut 9 (08) “…total of 97.″

State Police arrest a Texas man after a motorist on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge allegedly saw the suspect performing lewd acts on himself, with kids in the car. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

A Ponchatula woman is dead after a tree fell through the roof of her camper due to severe weather.  First responders who were on scene believe the woman was killed instantly while in her sleep.  The victim has been identified as 58-year-old Roxanne Kliebert.

LRN PM Newscall December 27

Santa’s sleigh wasn’t the only thing weaving around Louisiana over Christmas weekend as State Police made dozens of DWI arrests.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

_____________________________________________

State Police arrest a Texas man after a motorist on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge allegedly saw the suspect performing lewd acts on himself, with kids in the car. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Southeast Louisiana remains under a tornado watch until 6 PM tonight as a strong line of thunderstorms associated with a cold front continues to push through the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the squall line is also producing heavy rainfall

Cut 3 (12) “…more rainfall.”

Keim says the front has produced strong winds, which resulted resulted in scattered power outages…

Cut 4 (12) “…down trees″

Southeast Louisiana is under a flash flood watch until 6 AM tomorrow. Keim says there’s potential for two to four inches of rain today…

Cut 5 (12) “…right now.”

_________________________________________

One of the two men being sought for a December 16th double murder near Lacassine has turned himself in. 21-year-old Jordan Legros is suspected to have participated in the robbery that left Walter and Darlene Gotreaux dead in their home. Jefferson Davis Chief Deputy Chris Ivey says Legros presented himself unannounced to authorities.

Cut 6 (08) “…courthouse.”

Walter was the former president of the Lake Charles Cajun French Music Association.

Authorities say 23-year-old Javari Guidry, who allegedly also played a part in the murder/robbery is still in hiding, and Ivey says they’ve got photos up and are asking for anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.

Cut 7 (09) “…and dangerous.”

The search currently involves agencies in both Louisiana and Texas.

Ivey says the Gotreauxs were well known in the small community, and were likely targeted because of their property rental business. He says everyone’s hoping for a quick end to the troubling incident.

Cut 8 (10) “…this happen.”

_______________________

The effort of law enforcement to focus on highway safety by curbing fatalities caused by impaired drivers has seen many arrests in central and northern Louisiana.  State Police spokesperson Trooper Glenn Younger says in the three troop areas for Bossier City, Monroe, and Alexandria have netted 97 DWI arrests over the Christmas weekend.

Cut 9 (08) “…total of 97.″

Younger says the goal is to have zero DWI fatalities, so anything that can be done to get closer to that goal is a good thing.

Cut 10 (09) “…on our roadways.”

Louisiana saw a total of 759 traffic fatalities from January 1 until December 27 in 2017.  Younger says that number is at 655 for the same stretch of time in 2018.

Cut 11 (09) “…on our way.”

_____________________________

A Texas motorist traveling on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge was arrested yesterday for allegedly performing lewd acts on himself with his two young girls in the car. State Police Sergeant Jared Sandifer says the suspect was stopped by the L-S-P after a dispatcher was informed by another driver with a sharp eye.

Cut 12 (12)   “…traffic stop” 

47-year-old James Toomey of Spring, Texas, has been charged with two counts of Indecent Behavior and Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles.

It’s not currently known whether or not Toomey is a registered sex offender, but Sandifer says once the stop was made, the kids were separated from their father, and child welfare specialists were called to take over custody.

Cut 13 (11) “…had four victims.”

Sandifer says if you’re on the highway and see something like this, don’t intervene yourself, but do take notice of as many details as you can, and call star-L-S-P.

Cut 14 (09) “…it is.”

2:30 LRN newscast December 27

Southeast Louisiana remains under a tornado watch until six PM tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a strong cold front brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the entire state today…
cut 4 (12) “…down trees”
There are reports of scattered power outages.

A Texas motorist traveling on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge was arrested yesterday for allegedly performing lewd acts on himself with his two young girls in the car. State Police Sergeant Jared Sandifer.
cut 12 (12) “…traffic stop”
47-year-old James Toomey of Spring, Texas, has been charged with Indecent Behavior and Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles.

There’s some good news regarding the number of traffic fatalities in Louisiana. State Police Trooper Glenn Younger says 655 have died in traffic crashes this year, but that’s a double-digit percent decline from this same time last year…
cut 11 (09) “…on our way”
Younger says you can expect increased patrols during the New Year’s holiday.

One of the two men suspected in the double homicide of an elderly couple near Lacassine is in custody. Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff Chief Deputy Chris Ivey says 21-year-old Jordan Legros of Welsh turned himself in last night, which is a relief to those who knew the victims, Walter and Darlene Gotreaux…
cut 8 (10) “….this happen”
The search continues for 23-year-old Javari Guidry.

1:30 LRN Newscast December 27

A strong storm system has knocked down trees and caused power outages across the state today. Entergy reports that nearly 68-hundred customers are without power. Southeast Louisiana is under a tornado watch and flash flood watch.

State Police has arrested a Texas man after a motorist on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge allegedly saw the suspect performing lewd acts on himself, with kids in the car. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s office says one man has turned himself in and the search continues for the second suspect in the murder of an elderly couple on December 16th. Walter and Darlene Gotreaux were found dead in their home near Lacassine and Chief Deputy Christopher Ivey says 21-year-old Jordan Legros turned himself in last night on first-degree murder charges and they are actively searching for 23-year-old Javari Guidry…
cut 7 (09) “…and dangerous”
It’s possible Guidry is in Texas.

State Police troops in north and central Louisiana say they made 97 DWI arrests over the Christmas holiday weekend. Trooper Glenn Younger says the goal is to have zero DWI fatalities, so anything that can be done to get closer to that goal is a good thing…
cut 10 (09) “….on our roadways”

1230PM LRN Updated

Much of south Louisiana and the Delta Region of the state are under a tornado watch until 6 PM tonight as a strong line of thunderstorms associated with a cold front moves across the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says along with nasty winds, we’ll be seeing quite a bit of rain.

Cut 5 (12) “…right now.”

One of the two men being sought for a December 16th double murder near Lacassine has turned himself in. 21-year-old Jordan Legros is suspected to have participated in the robbery that left Walter and Darlene Gotreaux dead in their home. Jefferson Davis Chief Deputy Chris Ivey says Legros presented himself unannounced to authorities.

Cut 6 (08) “…courthouse.”

Authorities say 23-year-old Javari Guidry, who allegedly also played a part in the murder/robbery is still in hiding, and is considered armed and dangerous.

Santa’s sleigh wasn’t the only thing weaving around Louisiana over Christmas weekend as State Police made dozens of DWI arrests.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

and now commodities.

11:40 LRN Sportscast dec 27

LSU leaves this afternoon for Arizona to continue preparations for its Fiesta Bowl matchup with undefeated U-C-F on New Year’s Day. Before taking a few days off for Christmas, LSU practiced for a couple of weeks in Baton Rouge and Quarterback Joe Burrow says those workouts went well
Cut 16 (18) walk that line”
It’s unknown if defensive back Kary Vincent will make the trip with the team today. He’s grieving the loss of his father, Kary Vincent Senior, who died at the age of 49. The former teacher and coach in Port Arthur, Texas, has battled pneumonia, which briefly forced him into a coma.

The Walk-On’s Independence Bowl in Shreveport takes place today. Temple is a 3.5 point favorite.

Saints Coach Sean Payton would not say it, but Quarterback Drew Brees told reporters that he expects back-up Q-B Teddy Bridgewater to get some snaps on Sunday in the regular season finale against Carolina. But Brees is not sure how much playing time Bridgewater will get.

Lafayette Christian Quarterback Zachary Clement has been named the Class One-A offensive player of the year by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. Clement just led the Knights to back-to-back state titles in Division Four. Kentwood’s Trey Palmer was named the defensive player of the year. Palmer is signed to play wide receiver at LSU.

The Pelicans lost their fifth straight last night, falling to Dallas 122 to 119, despite 32 points and 18 rebounds for Anthony Davis. New Orleans is now 15-and-20, four games back for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Pels begin a three-game homestand on Friday against the Mavericks.

11:30 LRN Newscast

A good portion of Louisiana is under a tornado watch until six PM tonight. The watch box includes Lafayette, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Natchez, Mississippi. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a strong cold front is bringing the state heavy rainfall and strong winds…
cut 4 (12) “…down trees”
There are reports of scattered power outages.

State Police report dozens of DWI arrests in north and central Louisiana during an effort to curb drunk driving fatalities over the Christmas weekend. State Police Trooper Glenn Younger says several drivers were also booked on drug charges…
cut 9 (08) “….total of 97”
Younger says they are encouraged that there’s been a 14-percent decline from last year in traffic fatalities statewide

Congressman Ralph Abraham holds a fundraiser in Monroe tonight as he strengthens his campaign war chest ahead of the 2019 governor’s race…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

At the Independence Bowl Fan Fest in Shreveport, fans have a chance to consume a bowl from the world’s largest pot of gumbo. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is there…
cut 30 (08) “…good seafood”
Proceeds will go to the Fisher House Foundation to provide housing for families of militiary patients in the hospital.

10:30 LRN Newscast December 27

Much of south Louisiana and the Delta Region of the state are under a tornado watch until 6 PM tonight as a strong line of thunderstorms associated with a cold front moves across the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the squall line is also producing heavy rainfall…
cut 3 (12) “…more rainfall”
We’re also seeing strong winds ahead of the front.

Investigators continue to track down leads in the double homicide that took place Sunday night in Independence. Tangipahoa Sheriff Daniel Edwards hopes the public can provide information into the slayings of 45-year-old Daytra Miller and her 13-year-old son Robert West Junior….
cut 6 (11) “…everything out”
Edwards’ office has issued a 25-hundred dollar reward for information leading to an arrest in this double homicide.

A man who was once on death row for the murder of a pizza delivery boy in Livingston Parish now faces a 25-year-sentence after pleading guility to manslaughter in the death of 16-year-old Eric Walber. Michael Wearry’s previous death sentence was tossed out by the U-S Supreme Court. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says one of the reasons he accepted this new plea deal is that there’s not enough evidence to convict Wearry on second-degree murder…
cut 14 (10) “….as of today”
Wearry will receive credit for time served dating back to 1999, which allows him to become a free man in 2024.

The Jefferson Davis Sheriff’s office announces an arrest has been made in the first-degree murder deaths of Walkter and Darlene Gotreaux. The elderly couple was found dead in their home on December 16. 21-year-old Jodran Legros of Welsh turned himself in last night and the search continues for the other suspect, 23-year-old Javari Guidry.

9:30 LRN Newscast December 27

A strong line of thunderstorms is moving across Louisiana. Alexandria is currently receiving the worst of it. Flash flooding and strong winds are the major concerns at this hour.

A former death row inmate who had his conviction overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and sentenced to 25 years in prison. That includes credit for time served dating back to 1999. Kevin Barnhart has more on this case from Livington Parish…..
voicer 3 (29) “….I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Congressman Ralph Abraham holds a fundraiser in Monroe tonight for his gubernatorial campaign as he attempts to catch up to the at least five million dollars in campaign funds reported by the Edwards re-election campaign earlier this year. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says Abraham needs a lot of cash, because this race will be expensive…
Cut 7 (08) “…ten million.”
Tonight’s fundraiser takes place at the home of James Moore Junior, a member of the LSU Board of Supervisors.

The Walk-On’s Independence Bowl is this afternoon in Shreveport as Temple takes on Duke. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the annual college football bowl game always brings in a good number of tourists…
cut 12 (09) “…like they’re family”
At the Fan Fest event this morning. Louisiana chef John Folse attempts to make 65-hundred pounds of seafood gumbo, which would be the largest pot of gumbo in the Gusiness Record Books.