A Eunice man is being charged in St. Landry Parish with second-degree murder after he allegedly sold narcotics to an Oberlin man who died in December 2020.
Jerry Ross Vidrine, 33, Tate Street, Eunice, was arrested in Jennings on one count of second-degree murder in the December 7, 2020, death of James “Jim” Langley, 30, of Oberlin. Vidrine is also facing additional drug charges including possession with intent to distribute Schedule I controlled dangerous substances (CDS), three counts of intent to distribute Schedule II CDS and three counts of violation of a drug free zone, per booking records.
Eunice Police Chief Randy Fontenot said officers in his department had been working cases involving the alleged sales of narcotics at the Tate Street residence. He said sales of fentanyl, heroin, crystal meth and other drugs were being reported. The ongoing investigation led to the arrest last week of Vidrine.
“We were able to connect the drugs to Vidrine,” Fontenot explained. He said Langley’s father did visit the department to make a complaint stating Vidrine was supplying his son with narcotics. He said other evidence and witness statements were gathered as well as a toxicology report from the Allen Parish Coroner’s office indicating Langley’s body contained four times the lethal dose of fentanyl.
Evidence supported Vidrine supplied the fentanyl to Langley at the Tate Street residence on December 6, 2020. According to the investigation, Langley had been visiting Vidrine at his residence. He told his family he was working for Vidrine.
Fontenot would not confirm if more charges were possible. “I can’t confirm or deny it,” he said as he discussed the investigation. He said fentanyl is a dangerous drug, and users are mixing it with heroin. He said the drug is very dangerous and is proving deadly in these cases. He urged the public to report illegal narcotic activities to law enforcement.
On April 8, officers were armed with three arrest warrants for Vidrine and a search warrant when they traveled to Vidrine’s residence on Tate Street. Later, Vidrine was arrested on these warrants and booked at the St. Landry Parish Jail.
The case was also investigated by the Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office. At press time, no response had been received from the sheriff.
