Published: November 01, 2009 05:22 pm      

Bridge City woman found dead

A Bridge City woman was found dead after she spent Halloween at a party with friends.

Laura Russell, 42, was found face down in a ditch filled with 6 inches of water about 7:10 a.m. in the 8800 block of Cajun Way in Orangefield.

Russell had been at a party in Orangefield where she became intoxicated. She reportedly started “trouble” at the residence and her husband was asked to take her home, according to Pct. 1 Judge Joe Parkhurst.

During the ride home, Russell is believed to have gotten into an argument with her husband.

She reportedly became belligerent and got out of their vehicle and began walking on Cajun Way. Her husband reportedly came back later with friends to search for her, but could not locate her.

He then drove home and returned later to try and find her, according to information from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

After checking the area her husband located her in the ditch in the 8800 block of Cajun Way and phoned the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Parkhurst was called to the scene and pronounced her dead. He ordered an inquest and Russell was transported to the Jefferson County Morgue. Autopsy results are pending.

The Criminal Investigations Division of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene and is conducting the investigation. Detectives from Orange and Vidor police departments assisted in the investigation.

Investigators reported there does not appear to be any signs of foul play. Although as part of the investigation, the ditch was drained to look for clues.

More information will be available once the autopsy has been performed.





Debby Schamber is a reporter for the Orange Leader. She can be reached at 409-883-3571 ext. 2609 or at dschamber@orangeleader.com.