Crime
St. Gabriel police officer Devin “Curly” Boutte found stabbed to death at home on Legion Drive
ST. GABRIEL, La. — A veteran police officer with the St. Gabriel Police Department was found stabbed to death in his home Sunday morning, July 6, prompting an outpouring of grief across the law enforcement community and the city he served.
The victim has been identified as Captain Devin “Curly” Boutte, 34, a respected and longtime member of the department.
Authorities confirmed that Boutte was discovered deceased at his residence on Legion Drive in St. Gabriel.
A suspect is currently in custody, and the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office is leading the ongoing investigation.
St. Gabriel Police Chief Kevin Ambeau expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his colleague and friend.
“It’s a dark day, not only at the police department, but for the entire City of St. Gabriel,” said Chief Ambeau. “He was loved by everybody. He was just that kind of officer — dedicated, approachable, and respected by all.”
Captain Boutte had served with distinction for many years and was known for his commitment to community policing and his positive presence throughout the city.
St. Gabriel Mayor Lionel Johnson also addressed the community’s grief, calling for unity and compassion in the days ahead.
“Please continue to pray for the City of St. Gabriel, our police department, and most importantly, for the family of Captain Boutte,” Mayor Johnson said. “There will be tough days ahead, but we will get through them together.”
Expressions of sympathy have poured in from across the state.
The New Roads Police Department issued a public statement extending condolences:
“Captain Boutte served his community with courage, honor, and dedication. His loss is felt not only by his department but by the entire law enforcement family across Louisiana. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in blue during this time of sorrow. May God grant peace, strength, and comfort to his family, fellow officers, and all who knew and loved him. Rest easy, Captain Boutte. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Further details about the circumstances of his death have not yet been released, pending the outcome of the investigation.
The community continues to mourn the loss of a beloved officer whose life and service left a lasting impact on many.
Crime
Elgin Public Schools Teacher Holly Hill Dies From Complications Two Years After Drinking Poisoned Margarita
ELGIN, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has launched a formal investigation into the death of Holly Hill, a 30-year-old teacher, wife, and mother from Elgin, Oklahoma, who died last week from long-term medical complications reportedly caused by ingesting a poisoned margarita at a local restaurant in 2023.
OSBI officials confirmed that the investigation began at the request of Comanche County District Attorney Kyle Cabelka following Hill’s death on Thursday.
According to Hill’s family, her health issues began on Valentine’s Day 2023, when she dined at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin.
During the evening, Hill ordered a second margarita that, unbeknownst to her, contained a highly caustic industrial cleaning chemical rather than the intended cocktail ingredients.
“Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right,” recalled Kelly Hunter, Hill’s mother. “She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, and rinsing her mouth out with water.”
The ingestion caused severe internal burns to Hill’s esophagus and digestive tract, leading to two years of intense medical treatment.
Hill underwent more than 60 medical procedures, including repeated esophageal dilations and surgeries, as doctors attempted to repair the extensive damage.
Despite her deteriorating health, Hill continued teaching at Elgin Public Schools, where she was described as a dedicated educator loved by her students and colleagues.
In the days leading up to her death, Hill’s family believed she was finally recovering.
On October 17, doctors reportedly told them that her esophagus appeared to be healing. However, her condition suddenly worsened, and she went into cardiac arrest as medical staff prepared to transfer her. “As they were trying to get her ready to transport her, they lost her pulse,” Hunter said.
Hill’s family previously filed a civil lawsuit against Hacienda Las Margaritas, which was settled confidentially earlier this year, according to their attorney.
Following her death, the family is renewing calls for accountability and public awareness.
“The number one thing we really want at this point is for people to be aware of what happened at that restaurant and to quit supporting them,” Hunter said. “We want them to be held accountable for taking my daughter’s life. It might have been a long fight, but ultimately, they are the cause.”
The restaurant has not issued a recent public statement regarding Hill’s death. In a 2023 social media post, management wrote:
“We have never walked away from responsibility and will continue to support them in any way possible while our insurance company is on the case.”
Local officials confirmed that Elgin Police requested assistance from OSBI, and investigators are now reviewing evidence related to the original 2023 incident and Hill’s recent death.
In a statement, Elgin Public Schools expressed deep sorrow over Hill’s passing, describing her as “an Owl through and through” and asking the community to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers.
Hill leaves behind her husband and young child, as well as a community still reeling from a tragedy that began with what should have been an ordinary night out.