Lecompte Man Fatally Shot in Early Morning Incident on Union Street

Lecompte Man Fatally Shot in Early Morning Incident on Union Street

In the early hours of October 31, 2024, a shooting incident in Lecompte, Louisiana, left one man dead and another in police custody. According to official reports from the Lecompte Police Department, officers responded to a call shortly after 1 a.m. regarding gunfire on the 2400 block of Union Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, identified as James Barfield, 34, lying unresponsive. Medical personnel who later arrived confirmed that Barfield had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was deceased at the scene.

The crime scene was immediately secured by Lecompte Police, with support from Acadian Ambulance and Fire District 18 responders. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office and the Crime Scene Unit were also called in to assist in the investigation, focusing on gathering evidence and obtaining witness testimonies.

As per the ongoing investigation, initial findings point to a verbal altercation between Barfield and the alleged shooter, identified as 35-year-old Arcenio Ramon Bowie, also of Lecompte. Witnesses indicated that what began as a verbal dispute quickly escalated when Bowie reportedly brandished a firearm. According to witness accounts, Bowie fired multiple rounds at Barfield, fatally injuring him. He also allegedly discharged his weapon in the direction of nearby witnesses before fleeing the area.

Investigators on the scene quickly gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses who were present during the shooting. These accounts, combined with physical evidence, prompted detectives to issue arrest warrants for Bowie. The charges included one count of second-degree murder in connection with Barfield’s death and one count of attempted second-degree murder due to the shots fired at bystanders.

Approximately two hours after the shooting, at around 3 a.m., Bowie voluntarily surrendered himself to Sheriff’s detectives. He was taken into custody without resistance, booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center, and held on a $1.5 million bond. The swift arrest brought some relief to a community shaken by the incident, although details about the motive for the altercation remain under investigation.

Bowie’s criminal background is currently under review, with detectives looking for any prior history that might shed light on the conflict between him and Barfield. The authorities have not publicly confirmed whether Bowie and Barfield were previously acquainted or had longstanding issues that may have contributed to the deadly encounter. Sheriff’s Office representatives stated that additional inquiries would be conducted to determine if external factors, such as gang affiliation, substance abuse, or mental health concerns, could have played a role in the incident.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with further information on this case to come forward, as they continue to piece together the events that led to the shooting. Authorities remain particularly concerned about the impact of violent altercations in close-knit communities like Lecompte, where neighbors and family members are often directly affected.

Incidents of this nature have raised conversations about gun violence in rural Louisiana communities. In the broader Rapides Parish area, where Lecompte is located, local law enforcement agencies have expressed concerns over the uptick in violent crimes involving firearms, often resulting from personal disputes. In recent years, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has implemented additional measures, including community outreach programs, to address conflict resolution in neighborhoods with reported disputes.

As this investigation unfolds, local officials have assured the public that they are committed to transparency and to following every lead. The Lecompte Police Department and Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office emphasized that incidents of such violence will continue to be met with a strong response to ensure the safety and security of all residents.

In the wake of this tragedy, the Lecompte community is left grappling with questions and seeking justice for the life lost. James Barfield is remembered by those who knew him as a longtime resident with deep ties to the local area. Friends and family have expressed shock and sadness at the loss, describing him as a kind individual whose life ended too soon.

The investigation remains active, with authorities working to determine whether there were underlying issues that may have led to this fatal dispute. Bowie’s next court appearance has yet to be scheduled, and it remains unclear whether he has retained legal representation.

For now, the town of Lecompte holds its breath, hoping that justice will be served and that community efforts to prevent such violence will gain strength in the wake of this heartbreaking incident.