Natchitoches, LA (10/9/2023) – The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office reported a man suspected of murdering a Shreveport business owner and Natchitoches Parish resident was arrested.
An eight-month investigation by NPSO Detectives led to the March 2023 murder of Mark L. Halley of Campti, Louisiana.
Hailey was the prior owner of Fat Daddy’s Crawfish in Natchitoches and the owner of Fat Daddy’s Crawfish in Shreveport.
Detectives say during the investigation, they submitted evidence to the Northwest Crime Lab, executed at least twelve search warrants, analyzed forensic evidence, followed up on tips provided to Natchitoches Crime Stoppers, and interviewed family and friends, which eventually led to sufficient evidence and probable cause to obtain a criminal arrest warrant signed by a 10th Judicial District Judge.
Patrick D. Howard, 35, of Natchitoches, was arrested without incident for principle to first-degree murder. Howard is being held without bond
On Monday evening, November 6, 2023, at approximately 9:00 pm, Sheriff’s Detectives, Agents assigned to the Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force, and Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Vienna Parkway near Natchitoches, La.
Due to the sensitivity of the ongoing and active investigation, detectives are not releasing any additional information at this time.
Sheriff Wright stated we are pleased that an arrest has been made in the senseless murder of Mr. Hailey. Our detectives worked tirelessly from the beginning on this case; although the case remains active and ongoing, we are continuing to follow up on leads as we receive them. The investigative process, which included submitting numerous pieces of evidence to the crime lab, NPSO High Tech Crime Unit reviewing forensic evidence, securing search warrants, and speaking to family, friends, and other sources, took some time.”
Sheriff Wright also thanks Natchitoches Crime Stoppers, Northwest La. Crime Lab and other sources that have assisted investigators during this ongoing investigation.
If you have any information, please get in touch with the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 318-357-7830.
You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smartphone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential, and the caller can receive a cash reward of up to $2,500 for the arrest of an offender. Crime Stoppers is a private non-profit organization; it is not a law enforcement agency.
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A law enforcement-related agency has provided this information as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal “All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.” or arrested and charged with a crime have not been convicted of any criminal offense. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
