Questions raised over investigation into shooting death of Addis Police officer's wife

BATON ROUGE - It has been nearly a month since a beloved teacher was shot and killed by her husband in Addis. He's a reserve police officer, and no charges have been filed.

Many of you have wanted to know why. Tonight, we're getting to the bottom of where that investigation stands.

According to investigators, Emiley Gassie Thibodeaux was shot and killed as her husband was cleaning out his gun. State police took over the investigation that night.

"Obviously, we've done a lot of investigation, interviews, ballistics, and other investigative tools to get that information," Major Doug Cain with Louisiana State Police said. "What we'll do is provide that to the District Attorney for his review."

Following the shooting, many of you began weighing in.

Andrew writes:

"NO gun goes off, without the person pulling the trigger. PERIOD. YOU may call it an accident, it was irresponsible operator error."

Krystal writes:

"Why would you be cleaning a loaded gun anyway? Seems unsafe & irresponsible."

Although State Police said they are still working on the case, they wouldn't tell us what they have left to do.

In three recent accidental shootings in Baton Rouge the triggermen were charged within hours.

February 18: Darneisha Williams was shot in the head by her 16-year-old cousin. He was charged immediately and it was discovered the gun was stolen.

February 20: Gerald Levi, a student at Mckinley was accidentally shot. Byron Devore was charged hours later with negligent homicide.

Last weekend, Nicholas Matthews was arrested and charged for the accidental shooting death of Dalina Stamberry.

Tonight, many of you are asking why four weeks have gone by, and nothing has happened to the Addis officer.

Belinda writes:



"Why was he not charged? Negligence is negligence."

Jacque writes:



"Why was the Addis cop not charged? Cops cover for cops."

"The facts drive the investigation," Cain said. "We'll take as long as we need to, but will do it expeditiously, diligently, thoroughly and that's what we'll do in this case as well."

Cain said you can't compare cases. He added, despite what the public thinks, this case is being looked at like any other they investigate.

"Every case is different," Cain said. "Certainly we don't let public input or perspective lead our way. We go with the facts, and our detectives are very well-trained in these types of investigations."

We're told State Police are close to wrapping up their investigation. Once the case gets turned over to the District Attorney's Office, they'll make a decision on how to proceed.