Lake Charles, LA –
A tragic incident unfolded on the afternoon of May 24 when Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) deputies responded to a distress call involving a shooting at a residence on S. Perkins Ferry Road in Lake Charles. The call was made at approximately 2:30 p.m., and upon arrival, deputies discovered a fatal scene.
The victim, identified as 48-year-old Brett Daigle of Canyon City, Colorado, was found deceased at the location. According to initial reports from law enforcement, Daigle suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fatal shooting occurred during a child custody exchange. Authorities identified the alleged shooter as 43-year-old Randolyn P. Allen, a resident of Lake Charles. CPSO detectives determined that Allen had discharged a firearm during the exchange, striking Daigle multiple times. The circumstances that led to the confrontation remain under active investigation.
Several witnesses who were present at the time of the incident were interviewed by detectives, including Allen. Following these interviews and the collection of early evidence, Allen was arrested and transported to the Calcasieu Correctional Center. She has been formally charged with second-degree murder. As of now, her bond has not been set.
The case remains open, with CPSO Detective Larry Cormier serving as the lead investigator. Authorities are continuing to gather details to piece together the full sequence of events and determine the motive behind the shooting.
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office emphasized that an arrest indicates that probable cause exists to believe the individual was involved in the alleged offense. However, it is important to remember that a suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
This incident has shocked the local community, particularly given the involvement of a child custody exchange—an already sensitive and emotional context. Law enforcement officials have not released information regarding any children present during the incident, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and respect for the families involved.
Further updates will be provided by CPSO as the investigation develops. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office.