Delmer Watts Sr. Obituary, Death – On Saturday, July 12, 2025, deputies from the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a stabbing report at the Bernice Villa Apartments, located at 115 W. 4th Street in Bernice, Louisiana. Upon arrival, they discovered 71-year-old Delmer Watts Sr. dead inside one of the units.
The Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) immediately began looking into the incident and quickly identified the victim’s son, 36-year-old Delmer Watts Jr., as the main suspect. Authorities believe that Watts Sr. had been dead for several hours before law enforcement was alerted.
Watts Jr. was still present at the apartment when deputies arrived. He was taken into custody without resistance. During the investigation, a hatchet was recovered at the scene and is believed to have been used in the killing. Additional physical evidence was also collected to support the case.
According to officials, there had been a history of conflict between the father and son. During questioning, Watts Jr. appeared to be under the influence, although the exact nature of his impairment has not been disclosed.
He has since been booked into the Union Parish Detention Center on a charge of First-Degree Murder. As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather evidence to determine the full circumstances surrounding the deadly incident.
The community of Bernice has been shaken by the tragic event, which highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence and mental health. Law enforcement has not provided further details about what may have led to the fatal altercation but assures the public that the case is being handled with thorough attention.
More information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses and officials complete their review of evidence and witness statements.
