An arrest was made early Tuesday (Dec. 23) in the 2017 murder of Donna Arceneaux just south of Franklinton.
Scott Jordan, age 59, was booked into the Washington Parish Jail after being charged with second-degree murder in the case. He is being held on $2 million dollars bond. Jordan was arrested as he was leaving his Franklinton workplace.
Jordan was the boyfriend of Ms Arceneaux at the time of the murder, and he had long been considered a prime suspect. However, only recently did evidence enable investigators from the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office to decide to actually charge Jordan in the murder, which occurred at Ms Arceneaux’ residence on Highway 16 a very short distance south of the Franklinton city limits.
Sheriff Jason Smith expressed appreciation to investigators Fred Oswald and Jimmy Richard for their efforts to solve the murder. He also thanked the Louisiana State Police crime lab and the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office for offering the forensic technology that helped lead toward the arrest. He also said he appreciates the assistance of the District Attorney’s Office throughout the investigation.
District Attorney Collin Sims said, “Today’s arrest is a significant step forward for the family of Donna Arceneaux, and it serves as a clear message that we are dedicated to pursuing the truth, regardless of how many years have passed.”
On October 24, 2017, Ms Arceneaux, 40 years old, was discovered dead at her home.
The Sheriff’s Office investigated, but no arrests were made. The investigation was turned over to the Louisiana State Police. When Sheriff Smith took office in 2024, he said he wanted the by-now cold case to be handled by his investigators.
Oswald and Richard began their own investigation. The sheriff said, “They were firmly committed to pursuing justice on behalf of Ms. Arceneaux and her loved ones. Their experience and perspective were instrumental to the progress we’ve made, and they remained disciplined and persistent throughout this process. I commend their ability to handle this case with the utmost diligence, professionalism and respect for the victim and her family.”
By late summer of 2024 Jordan had been identified as the suspect in the murder. The investigators worked with the District Attorney’s Office as their evidence was reviewed.
Finally, the arrest was imminent. As Jordan left his workplace Tuesday, officers approached him and he was arrested without incident. He was taken to the jail and booked.
More than 8 years after the murder of Donna Arceneaux, a suspect is now behind bars, charged with killing her. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty. It could still be months or even longer than a year before a trial takes place to determine the guilt or innocence of Scott Jordan.
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