POLICE NEWS: Two dead; one clinging to life in Gonzales apparent home invasion

Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeff Wiley reports two dead and one clinging to life following an apparent home invasion on Babin Road off of U. S. 61 in Gonzales. 

In the late night hours of February 18, 2012 the Sheriff's Office was dispatched to 39122 Babin Road Gonzales, Louisiana to conduct a welfare check after family members had been unable to make phone contact with occupants of the home.

On arrival deputies received no response at the door and forced entry into the home discovering two occupants deceased and one occupant fighting for her life. Preliminary investigation revealed that of a homicide scene, Wiley said.

The two deceased murder victims were identified as 74 year old Robert Irwin Marchand and 50 year old Douglas Dooley.  The third victim is identified as 72 year old Shirley Marchand. Mrs. Marchand is at a local hospital undergoing emergency surgery as a result of her injuries. 

The Sheriff's crime scene technicians and investigators are combing the scene searching for clues. The motive is unknown at this time.

Sheriff Wiley said, “It’s a tragic day for Ascension Parish”.  The victims are well known and well respected citizens who were viciously attacked in their own home.  This department is working non-stop to identify and capture the killers.  

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office at 225-621-INFO (4636) or Crime Stoppers at 225-344-STOP (7867).