Moss Bluff Assault Turns Deadly …. Manslaughter Charges Filed

A second degree battery charge has been upgraded to Manslaughter after a fight at a  Moss Bluff new year's party. The then hospitalized victim (Matthew V. Crochet) died yesterday as a result of his injuries.

Here is today's press release from the Calcasieu Parish Sherriff's Office.

Today the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office upgraded the charges against Brian D. Diamond, 41, 904 S. Perkins Ferry Road, Moss Bluff, from 2^nd degree battery to manslaughter since the death of Matthew V. Crochet.  Diamond’s bond has been increased from $350,000 to $950,000.  These charges stem from an early morning fight on January 1 at a New Year’s Eve party on S. Perkins Ferry Road in Moss Bluff.  Upon arrival, deputies discovered a man, later identified as Matthew V. Crochet, 36, Moss Bluff, lying on the ground unresponsive.  The investigation revealed a physical altercation between Crochet and Diamond occurred at the party where alcohol was served.  Medical emergency personnel were called and transported Crochet to a Lafayette hospital for treatment for severe head trauma where he died on January 2 as a result of his injuries.

During further investigation, CPSO detectives discovered a 2nd physical altercation occurred with Crochet outside of the house immediately following the 1^st altercation which involved Kawliga L. Connelly, 37, 904 S. Perkins Ferry Road, and Steven B. Ellis, 40, 620 S. Perkins Ferry Road, both of Moss Bluff.  Arrest warrants for manslaughter have been issued for both Connelly and Ellis with a bond set of $950,000.

Here is a picture of the two subjects Law enforcement are looking for:

If anyone knows of their whereabouts, they are asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 491-3605.

CPSO Detective Kathy LeBlanc is the lead investigator on this case.