New details tonight in the shooting death of a sunset man.
Police have identified the suspect who is accused of killing Kendrick Lawrence.
The suspect, Walter Savoie Jr. is charged with second degree murder.
As News 10 Sylvia Masters uncovered, Savoie has a lengthy past criminal record.
Sunset Police have confirmed that Walter Savoie Jr., the suspect who was arrested in connection with the deadly shooting on East Martin Luther King Junior Drive Monday has been arrested 16 times before.
Our cameras were rolling when Savoie Jr. was captured Monday evening.
Sunset Chief of Police Luis Padilla, said, “He didn’t want to turn himself in. It was a struggle to get him in. After that, took him to hospital to get evaluated. Then this morning, we booked him with second degree murder and possession with a firearm carried by a convicted felon.“
Savoie’s criminal record shows arrests from 1999 to 2018.
Two of those arrests are attempted first degree murder in 1999 and second degree murder accessory after the fact in 2004.
“He’s actually been in and out in the system since 1999 with 16 total arrests. 6 of them with possession of a dangerous firearm,“ added Padilla.
According to St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court’s Office, Savoie was pardoned on that 1999 attempted first degree murder charge.
He pled guilty to accessory after the fact for second degree murder in 2004.
Savoie served 16 months for that conviction.
Chief Padilla explained, “Our condolences go out to the family for this tragedy. We will continue to do what we need to do. He is incarcerated and hopefully the system will work.“
