He Came In Through The Window

"OPELOUSAS, LA - A 31-year-old Opelousas man shot and killed his 26-year-old ex-girlfriend before turning the gun on himself early this morning, police said.

"Opelousas Police Chief Perry Gallow identified the shooter as Broderick Francis, 608 Phillip St., and the victim as Ranette Thibodeaux, 1361 West Park Ave.

"Gallow said Thibodeaux’s father called police after he stopped at her home this morning and noticed a broken window.

"Gallow said the victim’s father called authorities before he entered the residence. The father forced open the door and discovered blood drops on the kitchen floor, located near the entrance, Gallow said.

"Gallow said the father told the officer and then allowed the officer to search the home.

"Gallow said the officer found two bodies in the bedroom, both dead from apparent gunshot wounds. The shooting occurred sometime after 5 a.m., he said.

"The couple had split up about two months ago and Thibodeaux had since changed the locks at the home, `which is why the window was used as an entry,` Gallow said.

"The couple had been together since at least 2004, Gallow said. Francis was arrested once in 2005 on a simple battery count against Thibodeaux, Gallow said.

"There had been no reported violence since then, Gallow said."

From 2theadvocate...