Man in Westlake chase admits murder

Jamie Wingwood, the suspect involved in last week’s high-speed chase that ended in Westlake, confessed to the murder of an Austin, Texas, woman while in custody at the Calcasieu Correctional Center, authorities said.

Wingwood confessed to killing San Juana Macias when investigators from the Austin Police Department and the Texas Rangers arrived at the facility, Brad Herries, a detective with the Austin Police cold case homicide and missing person unit, said in a news conference.

Wingwood’s statement led investigators to a motel on Interstate 35 in Texas where officers located a deceased female’s body whose description matched Macias inside of a room.

Macias’s family reported her missing on July 7, Herries said. The same day Wingwood’s family received text messages and calls from him that led authorities to “believe Ms. Macias was in eminent danger.”

Wingwood and Macias had a “long, going off and on dating” relationship, Herries said. He has been arrested six times in the last five years with at least one instance of assault. The investigation is still ongoing, and the autopsy has yet to confirm the cause and manner of her death, Herries said. It is unknown how long Macias’s body had been in the hotel, but law enforcement believes the family last saw her July 5.

As of Monday, Wingwood was still in custody in Calcasieu. He has been charged with reckless operation, hit-and-run driving, flight from an officer, aggravated flight from an officer and possession of marijuana, according to Jefferson County public information officer Crystal Holmes.

Once back in Texas, Wingwood will face additional charges of felony evading in Jefferson County and homicide charges in Au

Wingwood’s statement led investigators to a motel on I-35 in Texas where officers located a deceased female’s body.

””

Jamie Wingwood, 40, of Austin, Texas has been identified as the driver in July’s high speed chase that ended in Westlake. His statement led investigators to a motel on I-35 in Texas where officers located a deceased female’s body.

Special to the American Press

SportsPlus

Local News

Mayor talks progress, what’s ahead for the city

Local News

EMS Academy, Acadian Ambulance will be offering EMT classes in LC

Local News

City Council candidates for District C state their views

Local News

Capstone at the Oaks senior living complex nearing completion

Local News

FBI says it found 2,400 new JFK assassination records

McNeese Sports

Baseball Preview: Putting pieces in place

McNeese Sports

Shumate rallies Cowboys by ETAM

Business

Trump raises tariffs on aluminum and steel to 25%

Crime

Sheriff issues warrant for Texas man accused of theft

Local News

Parish facility management team strengthening building infrastructure

Crime

LC woman killed in crash with intoxicated driver

Local News

If FEMA didn’t exist, could states handle the disaster response alone?

life

Program uses locally grown produce to help students with healthier eating habits

Crime

2/10: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

Local News

Eagles deny Chiefs a three-peat

Local News

Trump says he is serious about Canada becoming 51st state

Business

Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business

Local News

Crime & punishment: Amendment would allow more juveniles to be tried as adults

Local News

Guest commentary: Executive orders pivot US energy workers from defense to offense

McNeese Sports

Garcia, Parker lead Cowboys

McNeese Sports

Lady Demons drop McNeese

Local News

Lottery registration for Louisiana Fortify Homes Program grants open Feb. 12

Local News

10 honored for contributions to music during Black History Month Breakfast