Busted In Acadiana

Three Moss Bluff men are in custody in connection with the New Year’s Day beating that left a fourth man dead.

Matthew V. Crochet, 36, died Wednesday following fights at a home on South Perkins Ferry Road.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso said on Thursday he is aware of speculation on social networking sites about a possible motive for the beating. Mancuso said Crochet’s alleged inappropriate contact with a juvenile at the home may have precipitated the beating.

“Our Sex Crimes Division is investigating the allegation and has corroborated the complaint through witness statements and interviews,” Mancuso said in a news release.

Brian D. Diamond, 904 S. Perkins Ferry Road, was arrested on arrested Jan. 1 and charged with second-degree battery. Because Crochet died, the charge against the 41-year-old Diamond was upgraded to manslaughter on Thursday. Diamond’s original bond was $350,000 but it was increased to $950,000.

Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Kim Myers said 40-year-old Steven B. Ellis, 620 S. Perkins Ferry Road, and 37-year-old Kawliga L. Connelly, 904 S. Perkins Ferry Road, turned themselves in on Thursday. Both will are charged with manslaughter and have $950,000 bonds.

“The allegation sparked two separate physical altercations, the first of which involved Diamond and Crochet inside the residence,” Mancuso said. “Diamond then demanded Crochet leave the residence and Crochet complied.

“During his departure, Crochet exited his vehicle for unknown reasons. Witness statements indicate a second altercation occurred between Crochet, Diamond, Ellis and Connelly. During the incident, Crochet was knocked unconscious and was unable to defend himself. The beating continued, ultimately resulting in Crochet’s death.”