An arrest has been made in a Lafayette Parish homicide that remained unsolved for over 30 years, bringing closure to the family of the victim and resolving a case that had been stalled for decades.
Homicide Details
The case dates back to December 2, 1994, when Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a stabbing in the 4200 block of Cameron Street. The victim, 47-year-old John Perry Meche, was found severely injured and was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Despite initial investigations, the case went cold due to a lack of evidence linking any suspect to the crime and limitations in the available technology at the time. For over three decades, the investigation remained at a standstill.
Breakthrough in Cold Case
In late 2023, detectives reopened the cold case and worked alongside the Acadiana Crime Lab to retest and reexamine evidence from the crime scene. This renewed effort led to a successful DNA match, identifying Clinton Dronet, 60, as the suspect.
Arrest and Charges
Dronet was arrested on April 15, 2026, and charged with Second Degree Murder in connection with Meche’s 1994 death. At the time of his arrest, Dronet was already in custody at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on unrelated charges, including Domestic Abuse Battery and Violation of Protective Orders.
Statement from Sheriff Garber
Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mark Garber expressed his pride in the investigation’s outcome, noting the crucial role of technological advances and the detectives’ persistent efforts. “To make an arrest in this case after decades without answers reflects the value of attention to detail, sustained commitment, and the impact of taking a fresh look at the evidence,” said Garber. “That combination ultimately made the difference.”
Sheriff Garber also emphasized the importance of these breakthroughs in providing closure for families and ensuring justice is served, no matter how much time passes.
