UPDATE, 1/10/23, 2:14 P.M.: Youngsville Police have identified the body found as Dustin Joseph Johnson, 41 of Arnaudville. 

According to Youngsville Police Chief Rickey Boudreaux, officers responded to the scene to find the body a white male laying in the ditch, with no signs of life. It appeared he was the victim of a hit and run. An investigation on scene shows that Johnson was struck by a vehicle and thrown into the ditch. Evidence found on the scene allowed officers to determine a possible suspect vehicle.

They found the vehicle at the residence of the registered owner, along with a suspect driver and passenger. During the interview process, the driver was identified as Benjamin Matthew Decuir, 39 of Lafayette. Decuir admitted to driving the vehicle, but stated he struck an unknown object, stopped to look around and didn’t see anything, then drove away. Decuir also stated he tried to look for debris and didn’t find anything, so he left without reporting the accident. 

Evidence found on the scene, along with damages to the vehicle and Decuir’s admission led to him being placed under arrest. He was transported to the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center and booked for felony hit and run.

ORIGINAL, 1/8/23, 11:10 A.M.: YOUNGSVILLE, La. (KLFY) – The Youngsville Police Department (YPD) is investigating following reports of a body found on East Milton Ave on Jan. 7.

According to Youngsville Police Chief Rickey Boudreaux, the victim’s identity has yet to be released as the victim’s family has not yet been notified.

YPD also said that the cause of death is undetermined at this time.

This investigation is ongoing and updates will follow as information is released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact YPD at (337) 856-5931.