Paying final respects to deputy

Crimestoppers seeking information leading to recovery of weapon

The investigation into the murder of a Beauregard Parish deputy has intensified as family and friends prepare to pay their final respects at today’s funeral services.

Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies have volunteered to cover the shifts of Beauregard Parish authorities who plan to attend today’s services for 24 year-old Marquita Wright, alongside her family.

Wright’s mother said the day will be a difficult one for her family.

“This is a hard day for us because it is the last time we will see Marquita,” Schanell Wright stated.

Wright left behind three young children, all under the age of five. On Wednesday, BPSO deputies joined together to treat the children to a shopping trip to purchase items the children were in need of.

Deputy Brittany Smart, along with deputies Lance Grant, Freddie Doyle, Shuntell March and Leija Spikes, all participated in the trip that Smart said was about a lot more than just shopping.

“We wanted to do something for Marquita’s children to show them that there are a lot of people that really care about them and love them,” Smart stated.

The deputies not only purchased items the children needed, Smart said, but they played with them and for one evening allowed them to escape the emotions that had been heavy on their hearts since Monday.

“It was a bittersweet moment,” Smart stated.

“More than anything I just wish their mom could have been there with them, but it was so good to see these kids smiling, laughing and having fun after everything they had just been through. I can’t explain the warmth in my heart I felt seeing these kids just being a kid again.”

Wright was killed Monday morning after being tragically gunned down just before 5 a.m. on the front porch of her home in DeRidder’s Twin Lakes subdivision. Wright had just returned home after finishing her night shift as a dispatcher at the sheriff’s office.

On Thursday night, officials announced that a $5,000 reward was being offered through Crimestoppers for information leading to the recovery of the weapon used to kill Wright.

DeRidder Police chief John Gott said that his department has received assistance from multiple agencies in its investigation including BPSO, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office.

“We are all dedicated to seeking justice for Marquita Wright and her family. We are working diligently on this case and have not stopped since this began. We will not stop,” Gott stated.

Gott could not disclose if the investigation had identifed any potential suspects, but he said detectives are welcoming any and all information the public can offer.

Anyone with information may contact Crimestoppers at 337-462-8918.

‘This is a hard day for us because it is the last time we will see Marquita.’

Schanell Wright

Mother of Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s deputy gunned down at DeRidder home

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Engines with the DeRidder Fire Dept are preparing to pay respects to the funeral procession for Deputy Marquita Wright on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 in DeRidder, La..

Pamela SleezerBeauregard and Vernon Parish Reporter
https://www.americanpress.com/content/tncms/avatars/9/9d/d2d/99dd2d76-3a6c-11e7-b361-0bf4ce08a215.7222f7a7273cedc8f0b95aaa0666b97c.png
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City and Sheriff officials leaving funeral services of Marquita Wright on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 in DeRidder, La.

Pamela SleezerBeauregard and Vernon Parish Reporter
https://www.americanpress.com/content/tncms/avatars/9/9d/d2d/99dd2d76-3a6c-11e7-b361-0bf4ce08a215.7222f7a7273cedc8f0b95aaa0666b97c.png

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