Local News
Lake Charles Father Seeks Public’s Help in Locating Missing Children Believed to Be with Non-Custodial Mother
LAKE CHARLES, LA – A father in Lake Charles is seeking assistance in locating his two young children, who are believed to be in the custody of their non-custodial mother despite a court order mandating their return.
Six-year-old Cohen Desormeaux and five-year-old Colton Desormeaux are listed as missing on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s website.
While authorities have issued an arrest warrant for their mother, 41-year-old Sharlene Desormeaux, investigators do not believe the children are in immediate danger.
According to the children’s father, Chase Desormeaux, he last saw his sons on June 12 in Lake Charles.
A judge later ordered Sharlene Desormeaux to return the children to him, but she allegedly refused to comply.
After months of unsuccessful attempts to contact her, Chase Desormeaux reported the matter to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) on October 30.
CPSO spokesperson Kayla Vincent confirmed that detectives attempted multiple times to reach Sharlene Desormeaux but were unsuccessful.
Consequently, on November 3, a warrant was issued for her arrest on a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of a court order. Her bond was set at $25,000.
Court documents indicate that Chase Desormeaux was granted sole custody of the children on November 15, and the formal custody order was signed on November 18. He reported the children missing that same day.
Authorities believe Sharlene Desormeaux has left the Calcasieu Parish area.
However, an Amber Alert has not been issued because officials do not consider the children to be in immediate danger.
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate, and anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Cohen and Colton Desormeaux is urged to contact CPSO at (337) 491-3795.
The family, represented by attorney Samuel Ducote, is offering a reward for any information that leads to the safe recovery of the children.
The Gallia County Sheriff’s Office has released a detailed update following the tragic discovery of five deceased individuals at a residence in Clay Township on Tuesday morning, April 15, 2025.
The preliminary investigation, conducted jointly by the Sheriff’s Office and the Gallia County Coroner, has determined that the cause of death for all five individuals was carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to Sheriff Matt Champlin, the victims were discovered by a family member at approximately 10:45 a.m. at a home located on State Route 7 South in Clay Township.
Emergency responders were dispatched immediately and, upon arrival, confirmed that all five individuals were deceased.
The adult victims have been identified as 35-year-old Brian Adam Doss and 34-year-old Lora Schuman.
The remaining three victims were children—one girl and two boys—whose names are currently being withheld pending full family notification.
All five individuals resided at the home.
“We have reached a preliminary determination that these tragic deaths were caused by exposure to carbon monoxide gas inside the residence,” Sheriff Champlin said in a statement. “While we have established this likely cause, the investigation remains ongoing to gather further context and ensure every detail is understood.”
The Sheriff emphasized that no foul play is suspected at this time and the case is being treated as a tragic accident.
He added that the investigation will remain open until all aspects of the incident have been thoroughly reviewed.
“This situation is one that we all hope will never occur,” Champlin said. “The loss of any life is devastating, but to lose an entire family is truly heartbreaking. Today’s tragic events have forever changed the lives of those connected to this family, as well as our broader community. Please continue to lift them up in prayer and support during this time of unimaginable grief.”
The Sheriff’s Office extended its condolences to the loved ones of the victims and urged residents to remain vigilant regarding home safety, particularly concerning carbon monoxide exposure—a silent, odorless, and deadly threat.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues and next of kin are fully notified.