Suspect booked in Ville Plate merchant's murder

A 30-year-old Ville Platte man is charged with armed robbery and murder in the death of store owner Anna Nguyen, 59, at mid-day Monday.
Police allege Samuel Anderson entered K&T Meat Market and Grocery on West Lincoln Road, ordered other customers out then shot Nguyen several times as he robbed the store.
The alleged killer then fled the scene on a bicycle.
The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Ville Platte City Marshal's Office and the Louisiana State Trooper working the Evangeline Parish Area and the Evangeline Parish District Attorney’s Office responded to assist in the investigation. Working from leads, evidence, witness information and informants, the suspect was identified and located while attempting to leave the area. Coushatta Police and the Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted in locating and arresting the suspect. The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office placed the suspect under arrest at approximately 2:30 a.m. Tuesday.
According to the Ville Platte Police Department, the joint effort of these agencies was a valuable tool in solving this case quickly and Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue said he appreciates those who stepped up and worked alongside the detectives and officers.
“Without being asked, these agencies showed up and jumped in to gather information as quickly as possible and help solve this case,” Lartigue said. “Their assistance is greatly appreciated.”
Lartigue did not say where Anderson was apprehended or whether his getaway bike or the weapon involved had been recovered. Also unreported was whether the alleged bandit got any money in the robbery and if so whether it was recovered.
Police did not say whether Anderson has a previous criminal history.