OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- Last month Louisiana State Police arrested a suspect in the 2016 murder of Erica Hunt.
This week Opelousas Police Chief Graig LeBlanc is recognizing the detectives that played an important role in the case.
"The Opelousas Police Department extends its deepest gratitude for the relentless efforts in the solving of the Erica Nicole Hunt cold case homicide," LeBlanc said. "The State Police's commitment to justice and the family exemplifies the highest standards of law enforcement."
Investigator first class Anthony Pardo, Trooper first Matthew Landry and supervisors Brad Guidroz and Paul Dubios are the members of State Police that made the arrest of Jordan J. Barnes possible for murder of Erica Hunt.
Hunt went missing on July 4, 2016, after telling family members she was going pick up food. The case would remain cold until December 2018 when when her remains were discovered in Ville Platte. The remains were sent to a DNA lab where they were confirmed to be Hunt’s in 2021.
Investigations by State Police would lead them to interview Barnes, Hunt's brother-in-law, in November when he would confess to killing Hunt.
The four men from State Police were thanked for their hard work in front of the city council this week.
"On behalf of myself, the city council, the mayor, we would like to say that we appreciate the time that you guys put in on this case," LeBlanc said.
With the 8-year-old case finally closed and closure finally given to the Hunt family, LeBlanc said the dedication from law enforcement displayed shows that any case can be solved.
"That lets us know that is never too late, is never too long with these guys," he said. "There was allowed the avenues, Police Department, administration and the investigative division be able to focus on cases that were current while the Hunt family still got the justice that they deserved through the Louisiana State Police. And I just want you to know that I have our deepest gratitude."
