First Degree Murder

An investigation into the death of a 9 month old child back in 2014 leads to 2 arrests for 1st Degree Murder.  A Grand Jury heard the case and found sufficient probable cause to indict the child’s mother and stepfather.

Press Release – On February 2nd 2015, Alexandria Police Detectives arrested Michelle Cotten 21 and Billy Dean Cotten 21, both from Eunice LA., and charged the each with 1ct-First Degree Murder

On March 6th 2014, APD Officers were dispatched to a local hospital to investigate the death of a 9 month old child that had been transported by ambulance.  APD Detectives were called out to assist in the investigation.

The result of the investigation following autopsy and other forensic testing found the circumstances surrounding the child’s death, suspicious.  Upon completion of the investigation, the file was forwarded to the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s office for grand jury consideration.

On January 29th 2015, the Grand Jury heard the case and found sufficient probable cause to indict the child’s mother, Michelle Cotten and stepfather, Billy Dean Cotten on the above charge.  The couple resided in Alexandria when the incident occurred.

Michelle and Billy Dean Cotten were arrested without incident and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center. Their bond has been set at $1,000,000.00 each.

This investigation is ongoing and no other details are available for release at this time.