Arrest made in Lecompte murder

LECOMPTE, La. (WNTZ) - On October 31, 2024, at approximately 1 am, the Lecompte Police Department responded to the 2400 block of Union Street in Lecompte in reference to a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a subject, not breathing and not responsive, that appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds. Acadian Ambulance and Fire District 18 also responded but unfortunately, the victim was deceased. Lecompte PD Officers secured the crime scene and Sheriff’s Detectives and Crime Scene Unit responded to assist in conducting the investigation. 

From their investigation, sheriff’s detectives have identified the victim as James Barfield, 34, of Lecompte. Information obtained during the investigation indicated Barfield and the suspect, identified as Arcenio Ramon Bowie, 35, also of Lecompte, were engaged in a verbal altercation when allegedly Bowie brandished a firearm and began firing multiple shots at Barfield, striking him and causing fatal injuries. Bowie also allegedly fired at witnesses before fleeing the scene.

Evidence obtained at the scene and witness statements lead Detectives to obtain arrest warrants for Bowie for 1 count second degree murder and 1 count attempted second degree murder. At approximately 3 am, Bowie turned himself in to Sheriff’s Detectives and was taken into custody without incident, placed under arrest and transported and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center. Bowie remains in custody at this time, being held on a $1,500,000.00 bond.

Detectives say this is still an ongoing investigation and if anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective Shannon Hanks at 318-473-6727 or RPSO Main Office at 318-473-6700.

ARRESTEE	CHARGES
Arcenio Ramon Bowie	2nd degree murder Attempted 2nd degree murder

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