A two-day search of Chauvin pond uncovers human remains related to 2018 cold case

Deputies drained a Chauvin pond to uncover the body of a missing Thibodaux man whom authorities say had been lured there and murdered.

Ashlee B. Cantrelle and Glen Paul Rodriguez both were charged with first-degree murder after the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office, aided by the LSU FACES lab, uncovered the body they suspect is that of Larondell Esko. Esko went missing in October 2018 after traveling to Houma.

"In March 2024, Criminal Intelligence detectives discovered new information," Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet said at a news conference Wednesday. "We can confirm that Rodriguez and Cantrelle are in a relationship and that the gathering was planned by both Rodriguez and Cantrelle with the specific intent to murder Esko at the residence."

The body was found in the back pond of the couple's residence in Chauvin in the 5200 block of Bayouside Drive on April 6. A two-day investigation of the 20-foot by 40-foot pond led to it being pumped about two-thirds empty to uncover what evidence suggests is Esko's remains.

The LSU FACES lab is currently working to confirm the identity of the remains.

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According to Soignet, the two invited Esko to a party to murder him. Esko, 45 at the time, left a card game in Thibodaux Oct. 16, 2018, and never returned. His blue expedition was found in Dulac.

According to Soignet, the motive was "narcotics related."

Rodriguez and Cantrelle were interviewed by deputies March 4, 2024, prior to the location of the remains, and were subsequently arrested. Both were charged with first-degree murder and obstruction of justice. Rodriguez was booked into the Terrebonne Parish Jail on an $805,000 bond and Cantrelle on an $800,000 bond.

According to Terrebonne Parish District Attorney Joe Waitz Jr., his office will meet with the family of Esko and determine whether or not to pursue the death penalty.

The case is still an ongoing investigation as officials say there are still some questions left unanswered.

This article originally appeared on The Courier: Human remains found in Chauvin pond related to 2018 cold case