Opelousas, LA (5/6/2024) – Lester Ray Johnson, Jr., 31, of Opelousas, Louisiana, faces charges of first-degree murder in connection with the 2020 death of 66-year-old Joseph Vallian of Lawtell. The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation after deputies responded to a call on September 16, 2020, reporting an unresponsive male at a residence in the 400 block of McClelland Street in the Lawtell area.
Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz stated, “The victim, 66-year-old Joseph Vallian, was found lying face down in the kitchen with his hands bound behind his back with a black leather belt.”
During the investigation, detectives were alerted to the absence of a large safe containing approximately $20,000 US currency, jewelry, and essential documents from the victim’s home. Suspicions arose as family members disclosed that individuals associated with the family, including Lester Ray Johnson, may have been aware of the safe and its contents.
Subsequently, on September 29, 2020, investigators discovered a bandana with suspected blood in a laundry basket inside the residence. DNA testing confirmed the blood on the bandana matched that of Lester Johnson. Additional evidence, coupled with the disproof of Johnson’s alibi, led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for him.
Lester Ray Johnson, Jr. was officially charged with first-degree murder on May 3, 2024, at the St. Landry Parish Jail, where he has been in custody since April 19, 2024, for unrelated charges. As of now, Johnson’s bond has not been set.
Sheriff Guidroz expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts that aided in solving the case, particularly acknowledging the assistance from St. Landry Crime Stoppers and the anonymous tips received after airing footage in their Crime of the Week segments. He emphasized, “If not for the assistance from St. Landry Crime Stoppers with airing the footage in their Crime of the Week segments, the anonymous tips received as a result of those segments, and good old fashion boots on the ground investigation by law enforcement, this case might have never been solved.”
All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
