The body of an unidentified male was recovered from an oxidation pond near Payne Sub-Division in Natchitoches on Wednesday evening according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

An intensive investigation involving Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives, LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Detectives and Natchitoches Police Detectives led to information of the body being in the pond.

On Wednesday evening at approximately 8:30pm, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and a LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Detective traveled to the pond with boats and lighting equipment.

Shortly after arriving on scene, deputies recovered the body of a male.

Natchitoches Parish Asst. Coroner Steven Clanton responded to the scene.

The case is being investigated as a homicide.

The body has been transported to Shreveport for an autopsy to determine positive identification, and the manner and cause of death.

Sheriff Wright stated that detectives are traveling to Shreveport this morning for the autopsy, the investigation is in the early stages.

Due to the sensitivity of our investigation, we are not releasing any further information at this time. Our detectives, along with LaSalle Parish and Natchitoches Police are actively interviewing family and other sources in this case.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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