Lake Charles Man Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Deadly Stabbing Incident

Lake Charles, LA — A quiet Tuesday evening turned violent in Lake Charles when a man was fatally stabbed and left for dead in a field near Gerstner Memorial Drive and Power Center Parkway. The Lake Charles Police Department has arrested 38-year-old Cesar Odulio Chavez-Perez in connection with the incident. He now faces a charge of second-degree murder.

Authorities responded to the scene around 5:40 p.m. after receiving a welfare complaint, according to Deputy Chief Kevin Kirkum. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man lying in a field, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Emergency responders transported the victim to a nearby hospital, but despite efforts to save his life, he succumbed to his injuries.

While police have yet to publicly identify the victim, officials confirmed that the man died shortly after being admitted. The tragic event has left the local community in shock, particularly those who knew the victim as a quiet and kind-hearted individual.

As officers began canvassing the area, they received word that the suspect may still be nearby. Their search led them to a trailer park adjacent to the crime scene, where they encountered Chavez-Perez. He was detained without incident. Following further investigation, he was officially arrested and booked on a charge of second-degree murder. Chavez-Perez is currently being held at the Calcasieu Correctional Center. As of now, no bond has been set.

One nearby resident, who asked to remain anonymous, recounted the tense moments leading up to the arrest. “They said he did it. He was standing in the middle of the street, just standing there. I said, ‘Block the street. Don’t let him out.’ So, when I got here, I flew up on the other side, and I stayed right down there and wanted him to leave. I said, ‘I want you to go to jail because that old man never bothers anybody.’”

The same resident went on to describe ongoing issues with Chavez-Perez prior to the incident, claiming that neighbors frequently called law enforcement over his troubling behavior. “We were constantly calling the police on this man, and he had a bunch of people who were afraid for them. They like, they kind of behind this freaking dude.”

In addition to the murder charge, jail records indicate that Chavez-Perez was also booked on an immigration detainer. Authorities have confirmed that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been contacted for further information regarding his immigration status, but no additional details have been made public.

The murder has sparked concern and frustration among community members who say the suspect had long been a source of fear and unease in the neighborhood. The incident raises questions about community safety and whether previous warnings about Chavez-Perez were taken seriously enough.

Lake Charles police continue to investigate the incident, and detectives are working to piece together the events that led to the stabbing. They have not yet released a motive or clarified whether the suspect and victim knew each other.

As of now, the identity of the victim remains confidential pending notification of next of kin. The police department has urged anyone with additional information to come forward and assist with the investigation.

This stabbing marks a grim moment for Lake Charles, a city where acts of violence like this are relatively uncommon but deeply felt. As the case moves through the legal system, the community watches closely, seeking answers and hoping for justice.

More updates are expected in the coming days as authorities release additional information about the case.