Richard “Butch” Sonnier
20 year old, black male, Jennings resident.
February 9, 1993 was found in Bayou Lacassine located west of Lake Arthur. Died from severe blows to head and face.
Victim’s body was found by fishermen near a bridge referred to as “Party Bridge” Was wearing socks but no shoes. Also had on gold nugget ring. Authorities believe the body was discarded 3-4 days prior to being found.
No arrests to date.
LE believes motive was drug-related. Based on a tip from person who knew a man that claimed to be responsible for Sonnier’s murder a search warrant was issued on an unamed suspect’s Lake Arthur residence three months after victim found. Baseball bat (believed to be murder weapon), several bloodstained items, and vehicle allegedly used to transport body were seized from the suspect’s residence.
2003 DNA testing was not conclusive enough to obtain a conviction.
Additional information which may be of interest is that Butch’s brother, Mason Sonnier, was shot in the arm during an incident (12/10/08) that resulted in Derrick Jackson’s death. A cousin to Butch and Mason Sonnier, Kenny Harmon, was found dead 11/19/09. His body was discovered pinned under a truck in a ditch near LA1126 & South Main. Authorities believe Harmon had been shot also.
Filed under: Richard "Butch" Sonnier Tagged: | Kenny Harmon, Mason Sonnier, Richard "Butch" Sonnier
Hey G8, just wanted to thank you again for not giving up on my nephew, Richard (Butch) Sonnier. Do you know of any college that has students that would be intrested in looking into this case? I heard about students looking into cold cases. If so, please let me know. Butch’s Parents are deceased, but I know his sister and brothers would like justice. Thank you again. God Bless all the families that are still seeking justice.
Still praying for all the families .Lord help us.
Still praying for all the families. Please Lord, answer our prayers.
HEY G8,JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU ALSO. THIS CASE WAS REOPEN AND WE HAD TO GO IN AND DO SOME DNA BUT STILL NO WORD…….TO ME I DO BELIEVE THERE IS AND WAS ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO CONVICTED THE PERSONS OF INTEREST…..BECAUSE IF THE POLICE HAD GOTTEN ALL THIS OUT OF MY RESIDENTS AND MY VEHICLE I WOULD BE JAILED NO QUESTION ASKED………. GOD CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN ALL THE FAMILIES OF JEFF DAVIS.