Published: November 03, 2009 07:15 am      

BC woman found in ditch believed to have drowned

An autopsy was performed on the Bridge City woman who was found dead in a ditch in Orangefield.

Laura Russell, 42, was found face down in a ditch filled with 6 inches of water about 7:10 a.m. Sunday in the 8800 block of Cajun Way in Orangefield. After conducting an autopsy, Dr. Tommy Brown, forensic pathologist, advised there were no signs of foul play and ruled the preliminary cause of death as accidental drowning, according to information from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

However, the exact cause of death will be determined once the toxicology reports are received from the lab. The reports could take about month to be returned to officials.

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 and called 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.

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.

Although as part of the investigation, the ditch was drained to look for clues.

During a commissioner’s court meeting on Monday, Keith Merritt, Orange County Sheriff, thanked the members of the Road and Bridge Department who helped with sandbags so the ditch could be drained.



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