Jurors began hearing evidence on Tuesday, March 17, in the trial of Patrick Waddle, a man from Schriever, Louisiana, who is charged with first‑degree murder and multiple counts of attempted murder in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on September 25, 2021.
Waddle’s trial is being heard before Judge David Arceneaux in state court.
Shooting Captured on Video, Survivor Describes Injuries
During opening statements, the prosecution showed security footage of Waddle firing eight shots toward two voices off‑screen at the Eschette home on Bull Run Road.
One of the people shot that night — Chad Eschette — survived the attack and later showed jurors the scars from six gunshot wounds he suffered that evening.
Assistant Prosecutor Amanda Mustin described the gunfire during her opening remarks, mimicking the rapid shots as she said, “Pow pow pow, pow pow pow pow pow. These are quite possibly the last sounds Lisa Eschette ever heard.”
Victim Killed, Husband Critically Wounded
According to the prosecution, Lisa Eschette was struck in the head and died at the scene after Waddle approached the home while the Eschettes were having dinner and opened fire.
Chad Eschette described the moments after the shooting began, saying the first bullet passed through his arm, and the next struck under his arm as he tried to turn away. Meanwhile, his wife was already on the ground when the shots hit her.
When the shooting stopped, Chad called out for his daughter, 13‑year‑old Kalli Eschette, who had been asleep in another room.
Teen Girl Calms the Scene, Helps First Responders
Jurors heard a recording of the 911 call made by Kalli shortly after the attack. Despite the chaos, she remained composed, helping emergency crews find the house and describing what had happened.
In her call to dispatchers, Kalli said:
- “My dad is up. My mom is on the ground.”
- “She’s still breathing. Is there anything we can try to do?”
- She also urged her father to stay calm and sit down.
Both victims were flown to separate hospitals; Lisa did not survive her injuries.
Defense Focuses on Waddle’s Mental State
During her opening statement, Defense Attorney Cheleste Gottschalk did not dispute the events of the night but instead argued that Waddle lacked the specific intent required for a first‑degree murder conviction.
Gottschalk told jurors that Waddle had suffered two prior brain injuries, was on medication, and had consumed a significant amount of beer on the day of the shooting. She argued that this combination of factors left him intoxicated, emotional, and confused, affecting his ability to control his actions.
The defense indicated that its evidence will include testimony from a psychiatrist, who will explain how these factors could have impaired Waddle’s judgment.
What the Charges Mean
Patrick Waddle is charged with:
- One count of first‑degree murder in the death of Lisa Eschette
- Five counts of attempted murder for injuries to Chad Eschette and others reportedly shot at later that night
Prosecutors must prove that Waddle intentionally and deliberately caused Lisa’s death for a first‑degree murder conviction.
