Charges upgraded in New Year's beating death, two suspects being sought

Charges upgraded in New Year’s beating death, two suspects being sought

Thu, Jan 3, 2013

Kawliga L. Connelly

The charges against a man arrested in connection with the beating death of a man on Tuesday have been upgraded to manslaughter, according to Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s officials.

Brian Diamond, 41, of Moss Bluff, has been in custody since his arrest. He remains in jail. Bond was initially set at $350,000. It is now set at $950,000.

Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso said 36-year-old Matthew V. Crochet, of Moss Bluff, was the beating victim. He died from severe brain injuries Wednesday.

Steven B. Ellis

Mancuso says there were two separate altercations; one involving Crochet and Diamond in a residence on South Perkins Ferry Road and another involving Crochet outside of the residence.

As a result of that second altercation, arrest warrants have been issued for two other men who will also be charged with manslaughter, according to Mancuso. The two men being sought are 37-year-old Kawliga L. Connelly and 40-year-old Steven B. Ellis, both of Moss Bluff. Bond in those cases are also set at $950,000.

Those with information are asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 337-491-3605. The lead investigator on the case is Kathy LeBlanc, detective.

The case remains under investigation.