Police release homicide victim's identity; issues warrant for 3rd suspect

UPDATE: Police have released the name of the victim in an Abbeville homicide and issued a warrant for a third suspect.

Dalvin Mullens, 31, was found dead in a coulee south of Abbeville, according to a spokesperson for the Abbeville Police Department.

A warrant has been issued for Eldridge Anthony Petry for accessory after the fact, failure to report certain felonies (homicide), and other pending charges.

Two suspects are already in custody for the homicide.

Carlton Hills, 57, of Abbeville, was arrested on charges of second-degree murder, three counts of obstruction of justice, second-degree cruelty to a juvenile, and firearm in a firearm-free zone. Laticia Lewis, 42, of Abbeville, was arrested on charges of principal to second-degree murder, second-degree cruelty to a juvenile, and failure to report certain felonies (homicide).

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Original Post July 9, 2024

The Abbeville Police Department and Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office are investigating a homicide.

According to Abbeville Police Chief Mike Hardy, the homicide occurred on Monday, July 8, 2024, at around 9:50 p.m. Carlton Hills, 57, was arrested. Hills faces charges of 2nd Degree Murder and Obstruction of Justice, and additional charges are expected. Also arrested was Laticia Lewis, 42, who faces a charge of Principal to 2nd Degree Murder. The suspects were booked and transported to the Vermilion Parish Correction Center.

The victim's identity is being withheld pending notification of family, officials report.

The case remains under investigation and Chief Hardy urges the public to provide any further information regarding this crime or any other crime by calling the Abbeville Police Department at (337) 893-2511. You may also contact the “Tips” line at (337) 892-6777. All callers may remain anonymous. Citizens may also send anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of Vermilion by calling (337) 740-TIPS or the P3 app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.