Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents arrested four Louisiana men for allegedly killing a nearly 12-foot female alligator considered to be a local icon in the St. Francisville area on Oct. 8.
The approximately 35-year old alligator, which lived in a small pond along Ferdinand Street, had become a tourist attraction and wildlife attraction for local residents for many years.
“Everyone in St. Francisville knew about the big gator,” stated one local resident. “We all bragged about our big alligator and it was not unusual to drive down the street and see people who had stopped to look over the chain-link fence at her. It’s such a shame that someone killed her needlessly!”
After finding several crossbow arrows protruding from the wounded alligator, the reptile ultimately had to be euthanized. LDWF agents then began an investigation, which ultimately led them to the four subjects arrested. All four admitted to participating in the crime.
Agents arrested Charles Dousay, 25, and Adam Bonaventure, 25, both of Jackson, La., and Jerred Wunstel, 32, and Kelsey Landrum, 24, both of St. Francisville, La. Each subject was cited and booked into the West Feliciana Parish Jail for hunting alligators at night, taking an alligator from an unapproved area, taking an alligator without the required license, not abiding by the rules and regulations regarding the taking of alligators and for cruelty to animals.
If convicted, the four each face fines totaling up to $3,750, or up to 19 months in jail, or both, plus court costs and forfeiture of anything seized. They also each face up to 40 hours of community service if convicted and will be responsible for the civil restitution payment for the value of the illegally taken alligator.
Seized were a crossbow and a winch pole with cable and hook attached.
Agents involved in the case were Sgts. Will Roberts and Ronnie Engelhard.