NEW IBERIA, La. — An Iberia Parish grand jury has indicted one person in connection with the July slaying of Javion Batiste.
Batiste was 19 years old when he disappeared; his body was found days later.
On Wednesday, Jody Vital, 19, was indicted on a charge of second-degree murder.
If convicted, he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without probation, parole or suspension of sentence.
In July, Batiste's body was found in a cane field off of Landry Rd. in Iberia Parish.
In a statement, Nichole Jagneaux, mother of Batiste, said, "I am overjoyed by the support I have received in the search for my son's murderer, via marshals and the community."
We spoke with Jagneaux at the time about Batiste; to see that story click here.
Vital is now facing charges of second-degree murder, false imprisonment, and aggravated assault.
Vital was booked into the Iberia Parish Jail and bond has been set at $3,000,000.00.
The investigation into Batiste's death continues.
