A Schriever man, Patrick Waddle, is facing first-degree murder and five counts of attempted murder following a violent shooting spree that occurred on September 25, 2021, on Bull Run Road. The trial began on March 17, 2026, with Judge David Arceneaux presiding over the case.
The Shooting Incident
The tragic events unfolded around 8 p.m. on September 25, 2021, when Waddle allegedly kicked in the door of the home of Chad and Lisa Eschete. Lisa Eschete tragically died from a gunshot wound to the head, while her husband Chad Eschete was shot six times but survived.
According to witness testimony, Waddle later confessed to his actions, recounting the incident to Anthony LeBlanc Jr., his best friend. Waddle allegedly told LeBlanc that he had killed everyone inside the house and then asked for more ammunition because he had four more people to visit. LeBlanc reportedly advised him to go home and hug his wife and kids.
The Shootout with Police
After leaving the Eschete home, Waddle made his way back to Bull Run Road, where Louisiana State Police officers were conducting a search. As officers tried to block his approach with their cruisers, Waddle swerved around the blockade and opened fire from his truck using an AR-15 rifle.
According to trooper testimony and body cam footage, Trooper Blaine Landry was struck in the head but narrowly survived. The gunfire also damaged nearby homes. Curtis “Danny” Schloop, a local resident, witnessed the shootout and took cover with his family as the rounds penetrated his home.
Waddle’s Confession and Arrest
Following the shootout, Waddle fled on foot through the swamp, hiding from police. The next morning, he appeared at the home of his nephew, Dylan Gaspar, where he confessed to the shootout and his previous actions. Waddle reportedly smoked a cigarette, wrote a note to his wife, took a shower, and then turned himself in to police.
Defense and Psychiatric Evaluation
Waddle’s defense attorney, Cheleste Gottschalk, has stated that the defense will call a psychiatrist to explain how Waddle’s brain injuries, along with drugs and alcohol in his system, could have impaired his judgment during the events.
The trial is set to continue, and the jury will hear from experts regarding Waddle’s mental state at the time of the shooting spree.
