A team of grief counselors is at David Wade Correctional Center in Homer, Louisiana, following Thursday's prison escape and murder. The Department's Critical Incident Stress Management team is offering counseling to staff, relatives, and offenders.
Thursday afternoon, trusty 39 year-old Deltra Henderson escaped from the prison, during which time he allegedly killed the 18 year-old daughter of a David Wade Correctional Center employee who lived on prison property. Out of respect for the family, her name is not being released at this time.
The escape ended with a standoff at a home on prison grounds, and Henderson and officers trading gunfire. Henderson died during the standoff.
"Our hearts hurt today as we grieve, and mourn the loss of one of our own," said James M. Le Blanc, Secretary, Department of Public Safety and Corrections. "This is a dark day for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this young lady, David Wade staff, and all those affected by this tragedy. I am extremely proud of our staff for their outstanding dedication and professionalism as well as their strength and rapid response in handling this tragic situation. We're thankful for our law enforcement partners, Louisiana State Police and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office, for their tremendous response and support."
State Police and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office are leading the joint investigation into Thursday's escape and murder.
Henderson had been incarcerated at David Wade Correctional Center since June 4, 2001 for three different convictions. His sentences began a month earlier at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel on May 4, 2001. Distribution of cocaine - 10 years concurrent Attempted armed robbery - 30 years concurrent Aggravated burglary - 30 years concurrent
Henderson had a good time release date of March 28, 2025.