RAPIDES PARISH, La. — A 53-year-old woman from Pollock has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of former Rapides Parish Sheriff William Hilton, authorities confirmed.
Ladonna Delrie was taken into custody and booked into the Rapides Parish Jail on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, simple burglary, criminal damage to property, and flight from an officer.
According to preliminary details released by investigators, Hilton had returned to his residence when he noticed Delrie exiting the home. Officials say that when he attempted to approach and confront her, the suspect allegedly fled the scene in a vehicle and struck him, causing severe and life-threatening injuries.
Emergency responders transported Hilton for medical treatment, but he later succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Law enforcement officials described the case as active and ongoing, emphasizing that detectives are continuing to gather evidence and determine the full sequence of events leading up to the incident. Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive.
Due to the seriousness of the crime and Hilton’s long-standing association with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, the suspect was transferred to a different detention facility. Officials stated that such transfers are standard protocol in cases involving former or current members of law enforcement to ensure safety and impartial handling of the investigation.
Bond for Delrie has been set at $5.3 million.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division or local Crime Stoppers.
