Bernice, LA — A quiet Saturday morning turned into a horrific scene of violence in the small community of Bernice when deputies with the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office (UPSO) responded to a stabbing call at the Bernice Villa Apartments. The incident, which occurred on July 12, 2025, has left the town reeling after authorities discovered a 71-year-old man dead and his own son accused of killing him in a gruesome attack involving a hatchet.
Deputies arrived at the apartment complex located at 115 W. 4th Street shortly after receiving the emergency call. Upon entering the residence, they discovered the lifeless body of Delmer Watts Sr., a longtime resident of Bernice, who was found inside the apartment with fatal injuries. Investigators with the UPSO Criminal Investigations Division (CID) were immediately dispatched to the scene to begin a thorough examination.
Preliminary findings indicated that Delmer Watts Sr. had been deceased for several hours before law enforcement was notified, raising troubling questions about the timeline of the incident and any possible delays in alerting authorities. The victim had sustained multiple traumatic injuries, and evidence quickly began to point toward a violent and deliberate act.
As CID investigators worked the scene, they identified the victim’s son, 36-year-old Delmer Watts Jr., as the primary suspect in the killing. Watts Jr. was still at the apartment when officers arrived and was taken into custody without resistance. During a subsequent search, investigators recovered a hatchet believed to be the weapon used in the attack, along with other pieces of evidence directly linking Watts Jr. to the brutal killing of his father.
Authorities noted that Delmer Watts Jr. displayed signs of impairment during questioning and that he had a documented history of conflict with his father. Though the exact motive remains unclear at this time, the nature of the violence suggests a deeply personal and emotional altercation that escalated to deadly levels.
Watts Jr. was booked into the Union Parish Detention Center on a charge of First-Degree Murder. He is currently being held pending further legal proceedings.
The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office has stated that this is an ongoing investigation, and they are continuing to gather forensic evidence, conduct interviews, and piece together the events that led up to the fatal encounter. Additional charges could be considered depending on the findings of the investigation.
In a statement released to the public, the UPSO extended its condolences to those affected by this tragic event and emphasized that violent domestic incidents such as this one are often complex and deeply rooted in personal history.
“This is a heartbreaking case that has left a family and community shattered,” said a spokesperson from the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office. “We are committed to uncovering the full truth and ensuring that justice is served for Mr. Watts Sr.”
As the community of Bernice processes the shocking nature of the crime, residents are reminded of the importance of seeking help in situations of domestic strife before they escalate to violence. The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone struggling with family conflict, mental health issues, or substance abuse to reach out to local resources for support.
Further updates on the case will be released as more information becomes available.
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