PAnews.com, Port Arthur, Texas

November 1, 2009

Husband finds wife dead in Orange ditch

REESHA BROWN

On Sunday Nov. 11, 2009 at 7:10 a.m. the Orange County Sheriff's Office received a call of a deceased female in the ditch of the 8800 block of Cajun Way in Orangefield.

The victim was identified as Laura Russell, 42, a Caucasian female, Bridge City resident. After driving home from a party in Orange Saturday night, Russell and her husband got into an argument.

The Russell’s became belligerent and got out of their vehicle and traveled by foot down Cajun Way.

The husband drove home and returned later in an effort to get the victim to go home with him. After checking the area he located her in the ditch of the 8800 block of Cajun Way; and later phoned the Sheriff's Office.

Joe Parkhurst, Orange County Precinct One Justice of the Peace responded and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. Judge Parkhurst ordered an inquest and Ms. Russell was transported to the Jefferson County Morgue.

The Criminal Investigations Division responded to the incident and is conducting an investigation. Detectives from Orange PD and Vidor PD also assisted in the Investigation.

At this time there does not appear to be any signs of foul play. More information will be available once the autopsy has been performed.