A Terrebonne Parish jury has found Patrick Waddle, a Schriever man, guilty of first-degree murder and five additional counts of attempted first-degree murder after his shooting spree left one woman dead and two others injured. The verdict came on March 20, after nearly two hours of deliberation.
The Deadly Shooting Incident
The incident began on September 25, 2021, when Waddle was caught on video shooting through the front door of Chad and Lisa Eschete’s home on Bull Run Rd, located in Terrebonne Parish. Lisa Eschete was killed, and Chad Eschete was left with six gunshot wounds.
Twenty-five minutes later, Waddle was seen on dash cam footage, aiming an AR-15 out of his truck’s window and opening fire on four Louisiana State Troopers, grazing one officer’s head.
Waddle’s Mental Health and Defense
Waddle had suffered two traumatic brain injuries, one in 2019 and another in 2021. Dr. Sarah DeLand, a forensic psychiatrist, testified that these injuries caused memory issues, mood instability, and impulse control problems.
In her testimony, Dr. DeLand said, “I thought he had a mood disorder similar to bipolar disorder,” but added that Waddle knew right from wrong and had a personality change after his injuries.
Waddle’s defense attorney, Cheleste Gottschalk, argued that Waddle’s brain injuries and the alcohol he consumed made it impossible for him to have the specific intent needed to be guilty of first-degree murder. She claimed that being able to act was not the same as being able to think.
Waddle’s Own Account
According to Waddle, he went to the Eschete home and claims Lisa Eschete said something that caused him to black out. However, a video taken by Waddle showed him preparing for the shooting. He was armed with a pistol, an AR-15, and had about five beers in his truck, listening to country music before the incident. Security footage from the Eschete’s home showed Waddle calmly walking to the door, pulling out his pistol, and shooting at the home.
Waddle’s Actions After the Shooting
After the shooting, Waddle told friends and family about the attack, saying he had four more targets. His best friend, Anthony LeBlanc Jr., refused to give him more ammo and advised him to go home and hug his family.
However, Waddle continued his rampage, swerving around State Police and opening fire on them. Security cameras and police dash cams showed him firing at the officers before ditching his truck and fleeing into the woods. State Police and Terrebonne Parish Sheriff deputies pursued him. Waddle later told psychiatrist Dr. DeLand that he had considered suicide by cop, but instead, he hid in the bayou until the police left.
Waddle’s Testimony and Defense Arguments
In court, Waddle claimed his memory of the night was unclear and chose not to testify. Judge David Arceneaux questioned Waddle to ensure he was of sound mind and not under the influence of any substances, and Waddle confirmed he was not, but still couldn’t remember much of the events.
Prosecutor Amanda Mustin, in her closing arguments, pointed out that Waddle had confessed to his family about the killings but couldn’t remember the details during his interrogation with the police. She argued that his actions—specifically aiming and shooting at people—proved specific intent. “When you aim and fire a gun at a person, the likely outcome is death,” she said.
The Verdict and Sentencing
The jury convicted Patrick Waddle of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted first-degree murder. Waddle faces significant time in prison, and his sentencing is yet to be announced.
