One person was arrested on Monday after a body was discovered by officers in the debris of a burned building.
Officers with the St. Martinville Police Department responded on January 17 to the 1200 block of S. Main Street in reference to reports of an explosion.
Upon arrival, the department says a small structure was found to be on fire.
The remains of a burnt human body and a dog were discovered by officers after the fire was extinguished.
The department says following the discovery, the incident was investigated as a homicide.
A suspect, identified as Randal J. Romero who officers said is also the property owner, was arrested and booked into the St. Martin Parish Jail on the following charges:
- Second-degree murder
- Unlawful disposal of human remains
- Aggravated cruelty to animals
- Obstruction of justice (2 counts)
The name of the victim has not been released, but police told KATC she was a woman from Broussard. As for the motive, police said there was a history of domestic violence.
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