(Eric Cormier / American Press)
(Eric Cormier / American Press)
Legion Street homicide suspect arrested, victim identified
Last Modified: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 12:10 PM
By Eric Cormier / American Press
They don’t yet know the exact circumstances that led to the slaying of 47-year-old Dorthy M. Horsman on Monday. But Lake Charles police, who arrested the victim’s sometime housemate, said they’re treating the crime as a case of domestic violence.Authorities said officers responded to a 911 call at about 4 a.m. and found Horsman inside the home at 2121 Legion St. She was taken to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, officials said.
Police Chief Don Dixon said 34-year-old Manzy C. Watson — he “lived off and on with Horsman” — was regarded as a suspect based on information from witnesses at the scene. He said police, who had issued a “be on the lookout” notice, received a tip on Manzy’s whereabouts at midmorning.
“That tip came in at 11:14 a.m., and detectives caught him at a business on East Prien Lake Road,” Dixon said.
Manzy was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center on charges of second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder. His bond was set at $275,000.
Dixon said Horsman’s son, Zackary Jones, 20, was injured during the attack, but was treated and released from the hospital. He said a juvenile was also in the home but wasn’t injured.
Dixon said Horsman “may have died of a stabbing” but that autopsy results weren’t available yet.
He said Manzy was arrested for domestic abuse in Lafayette 10 years ago.
A woman who lived next door to Horsman, and declined to be identified, told the American Press that she was shocked to learn of the crime.
“They were real quiet over there. Nothing ever happened,” she said. “No yelling or anything. We used to share a lawn mower. Police were never called over there.”
The homicide is the city’s seventh this year.
Calcasieu Parish District Attorney John DeRosier said the crime will not go unpunished.
“Physical violence is not the way. This is the type of result you get,” he said. “We will maintain a stout program for people who commit domestic violence.”
Dixon said the killings police have investigated this year all involved either drugs or domestic violence. He said victims of domestic violence should take steps to protect themselves.
“Stand up,” he said. “If you see a predicted pattern of behavior, do something about it. We are here to help.”
Posted By: Misty Aoudia On: 8/20/2012
Title: RIP Dolly
Dolly, you were a good person who didn't deserve to die this way. Although we only got to know each others as cousins for a couple years, you were a good person. May you find comfort and peace..
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