Two Convicted Felons Wanted for Murder After 23-Year-Old Man Found Shot to Death in Lake Charles
LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA — A quiet Sunday night in Lake Charles turned into a homicide investigation after deputies discovered the body of a 23-year-old man along U.S. Highway 90. Now, authorities are urgently seeking the public’s help in locating two wanted men—both convicted felons—believed to be responsible for his death.
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim as Kalin J. Stevens, a Lake Charles resident whose life was tragically cut short in what investigators say was a targeted shooting.
Discovery of the Body
Sheriff Stitch Guillory said dispatchers received a hang-up 911 call at approximately 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 30. Using cellphone location tracking, deputies were led to the area near Manchester Road and U.S. 90, where they discovered Stevens’ body lying near the roadside.
Initially, authorities believed Stevens may have been the victim of a traffic accident. However, the investigation quickly shifted after deputies found multiple gunshot wounds on the victim.
Suspects Identified
Following a swift investigation, authorities identified two suspects wanted on second-degree murder charges:
- Larry J. Bigelow Jr., 22, of Lake Charles
- Titus T. Tezeno, 22, of Lake Charles
Both men are considered armed and dangerous, and their bonds have each been set at $1.5 million.
“These men are dangerous convicted felons who have no business walking the streets of our community,” Sheriff Guillory said at a press conference on Monday. “They need to be brought to justice.”
Guillory also revealed that both suspects and the victim had a known ongoing dispute, which may have escalated into violence.
Criminal Backgrounds
Authorities confirmed both suspects have violent criminal records:
- Bigelow has previous convictions for burglary and domestic abuse
- Tezeno has been convicted of aggravated assault with a firearm
Investigators are urging anyone who may be helping or harboring either suspect to come forward, warning that aiding fugitives is a criminal offense.
“If you are helping these individuals in any way, you will be arrested and prosecuted,” Guillory said.
Ongoing Manhunt and Public Assistance
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with state and federal agencies, is continuing its search for Bigelow and Tezeno. The public is strongly encouraged not to approach the suspects, as they are believed to be heavily armed.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of either suspect is urged to contact the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office at (337) 491-3626. Callers may remain anonymous.
Remembering the Victim
As the investigation continues, friends and family of Kalin Stevens are mourning the loss of a young man they described as quiet, hard-working, and loyal to his loved ones.
“He didn’t deserve this,” said a family friend who asked not to be named. “Kalin had plans, he was trying to get his life on track. He was loved.”
A vigil is being planned later this week in his memory, and a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the family with funeral expenses.
The Search Continues
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office emphasized that they are committed to bringing both suspects into custody and providing justice for the Stevens family.
“This was a senseless act of violence,” Sheriff Guillory said. “We won’t stop until both of these individuals are off the streets.”
Suspects at a Glance:
Larry J. Bigelow Jr.
- Age: 22
- Charges: Second-Degree Murder
- Criminal History: Burglary, Domestic Abuse
- Status: Wanted
Titus T. Tezeno
- Age: 22
- Charges: Second-Degree Murder
- Criminal History: Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
- Status: Wanted
Contact for Tips:
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office
Phone: (337) 491-3626