Rapides Parish, LA (6/10/2024) – An arrest has been made in connection with the body found near LA Highway 1 South and Old River Road last Thursday, June 6, 2024. Deputies, Detectives, and the Crime Scene Unit from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a deceased individual near the levee.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered the body of an unidentified black male next to a truck parked at the edge of a tree line on private property. The Rapides Parish Coroner’s Office took possession of the body for further forensic examination. During the autopsy, the deceased was identified as 58-year-old Gregory Gibbs from Pineville. The cause of death is still under investigation.
Through evidence collected at the scene, as well as videos and photographs from several local businesses, Detectives identified Chester Lee Sonnier, Jr., 38, of Bunkie, LA, as a suspect. On Friday, June 7, Sheriff’s Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators located Sonnier in Bunkie, where he was apprehended without incident and initially booked into the Avoyelles Parish Detention Center.
Sonnier was subsequently transferred to the Rapides Parish Detention Center, where he was booked on charges of 2nd Degree Murder and probation violation. He remains in custody on a $1,000,000 bond and a probation hold.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding this homicide is urged to contact Detective Shannon Hanks at 318-473-6727, the RPSO Main Office at 318-473-6700, or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867. Crime Stoppers is a private, non-profit organization and not a law enforcement agency.
UrbanCast/involvedinitall.com extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Gregory Gibbs.
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or administrative action.
