Originally reported by the Natchitoches Parish Journal
The Natchitoches Police Department is investigating a homicide that took place Sunday afternoon on North Melrose Avenue.
On June 19, 2022, around 2:13 p.m., officers with the Natchitoches Police Department responded to the 100 block of North Melrose Avenue in reference to gunshots in the area. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located LaDarious Scott (B/M, 22 y.o.a. of Winnfield) who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. LaDarious Scott was pronounced deceased by the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office as a result of his injuries.
While investigators were on the scene they were able to learn that Dave Bigford, the suspect, (B/M, 24 y.o.a of Mount Olive, NC) forced his girlfriend into a vehicle at gunpoint and fled the area prior to officers’ arrival. Detectives notified surrounding law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for the suspect and the vehicle he was driving. Law enforcement in Vernon Parish located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop that led to a lengthy vehicle chase. During the vehicle pursuit, his girlfriend was able to jump free from the vehicle in Alexandria. Dave Bigford eventually crashed his vehicle into a ditch in Rapides Parish. While in the ditch Dave Bigford was located with a single self-inflicted gunshot wound and was taken to a local hospital.
Dave Bigford is charged with Second Degree Murder and Aggravated Kidnapping.
The Natchitoches Police Department will release more details as they become available.
If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective Davanta Stevenson at (318) 357-3817. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.
How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:
You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $2,000 for the arrest of an offender.
