(Natchitoches)-The body of a male found in an oxidation pond behind Payne sub-division in Natchitoches has been identified as a LaSalle Parish missing person according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
On Thursday, the body was positively identified as Joshua Lee Humphries, 35, of Trout, La. in LaSalle Parish by a Shreveport Forensic Pathologist.
The case has been ruled as a homicide, however, detectives are not releasing the cause of death at this time.
Humphries was reported missing by family to the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office on January 13, 2022.
His vehicle was found abandoned in Natchitoches by Natchitoches Police just prior to him being reported missing.
He was known to possibly frequent the Alexandria area and possibly Natchitoches.
LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office, news media and multiple social media posts were circulated requesting assistance in hopes of locating Humphries.
LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Detectives, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Police, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and other agencies began to investigate Humphries disappearance.
As the investigation continued, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives and Natchitoches Police Detectives received information of a body being in an oxidation pond at the rear of Payne sub-division.
NPSO Detectives with boats and special lighting equipment went to the pond on Wednesday evening, February 2 at approximately 8:30pm and recovered the body of an unidentified male.
Detectives said the body had been in the water for several days.
The Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office and a LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Detective also responded.
The body was sent for an autopsy in Shreveport for positive identification and the manner and cause of death.
This morning, Sheriff Stuart Wright, Chief Deputy Greg Dunn and several detectives from the Criminal Investigations Bureau, NPSO High Tech Crime Unit and Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force met during a briefing on the homicide investigation.
Detectives are actively pursuing leads in the case conducting interviews and collecting evidence.
Three search warrants have been executed at different undisclosed locations near Natchitoches.
We are making progress in the investigation, but due to sensitivity and confidentiality of our investigation no further information will be released at this time”_ said Sheriff Wright.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Crime Scene Unit is also assisting in the investigation as we continue to gather and collect evidence , Major Reginald Turner said.
We extend our condolences and sympathy to Humphries family.
Case Agent:
Detective Sgt. Jared Kilpatrick
Natchitoches Parish SO
Natchitoches, La.
