Murder of Natchitoches Police Officer Will be Death Case

A murder involving a Natchitoches City police officer will be a death case.  That’s the word from the Sabine Parish District Attorney Don Burkett, who says he’ll convene a grand jury soon.

Earlier this week, authorities found the body of Tony Procell in a shallow grave in Winn Parish.  Authorities say Robert Barthelemy of Natchitoches kidnapped and shot Procell over a domestic dispute involving a woman.

Burkett, who’s prosecuting the case, says he’ll ask the grand jury to indict on capital murder.  Because Procell was first kidnapped, that makes it possible for this to be a death case.

Out of courtesy to the victim’s family, the Winn Parish D.A. has turned over prosecution to Sabine parish.

KLAX ABC 31 News 8/29/13