The wife of Bayou la Batre’s mayor has been stabbed Tuesday in the city hall and authorities have arrested the assailant.
Town magistrate Marcia Barnes was ambushed in the municipal offices. Her attacker was arrested at the scene and identified as 47-year-old Phoxay Keomanivong.
“His intent was to kill law enforcement…Attacking the magistrate was one way to get to us,” Police Chief Scott Dagg said.
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“He was familiar to us. Over the years, we’ve known him.”
Keomanivong was facing disorderly conduct and marijuana possession charges before the incident. Now, he faces new attempted murder charges.
Following the attack, municipal court and City Hall proceedings were canceled for the day.
