CPSO UPGRADES CHARGES FOR CARLYSS SHOOTING SUSPECT AFTER 2nd VICTIM DIES

Lake Charles, LA –

                         

On October 23, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a trailer off Highway 27 in Carlyss in reference to a shooting.  When deputies arrived, they located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.  One of the victims, Cole A. Sandifer, 39, Sulphur, was located deceased inside the home.  The other victim was transported to a local hospital to be treated for her injuries. 

            

Deputies arrested Jonathan J. Waite, 22, Sulphur, for the shootings.  He was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with 2nd degree murder; attempted 2nd degree murder; and illegal use of a firearm.  

            

On the afternoon of October 26, CPSO detectives were advised the second shooting victim, Brittany A. Prather, 43, Sulphur, died at the hospital from injuries sustained during the shooting.  Detectives upgraded Waite’s charges to two counts of 2nd degree murder. Judge Tony Fazzio set his bond at $650,000. 

          

CPSO Detective Larry Cormier is the lead investigator on this case. 


An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged.   A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.