New Orleans, LA – Dylan Craddock, 32, of Ponchatoula, was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Monday after accepting a plea deal for the execution-style killing of Brooke “Bee” Buchler, a Slidell waitress. The sentence came after Craddock pleaded guilty to manslaughter, obstruction of justice, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and conspiracy to commit murder.
The Murder of Brooke Buchler
Buchler’s remains were discovered five years ago, on August 23, 2020, in an abandoned military depot near the Industrial Canal in New Orleans. Her death was linked to a kidnapping and attempted murder case in Slidell, where police had received a report that Buchler had been sexually assaulted by a male acquaintance three days prior to her death.
Detectives later tied Dylan Craddock and Cody Matthews, 38, to Buchler’s murder. Both men were charged with first-degree murder and other crimes. Craddock’s plea deal spared him a life sentence, and he must serve at least 20 years before becoming eligible for parole.
Details of the Case
On the morning of Buchler’s disappearance, police found her body in a dilapidated building at the old Bywater Navy base. Her autopsy showed that she had been shot in the back of the head.
The investigation revealed that Craddock and Matthews had previously severely beaten the man who Buchler accused of assaulting her. Police believe they feared Buchler might become a “liability,” leading to her murder.
The two men then moved to a St. Bernard Parish hotel, where Buchler was last seen alive. The following day, she was reported missing, and her body was discovered shortly after.
Investigative Leads and Arrests
Detectives received anonymous tips through Crimestoppers and tracked Craddock’s phone records, which placed him near the abandoned naval depot on the night of Buchler’s death. Photos found on Craddock’s phone also showed the men at the same location a week before the murder.
In a recorded call from jail, Cody Matthews admitted to being present when Craddock killed Buchler but refused to provide further details unless granted immunity from murder charges.
Matthews’ Sentencing
Matthews, who also reached a plea agreement last summer, is scheduled for sentencing on April 9, 2026.
