Katharina Buczek
“Based on investigative techniques and witness statements, detectives and investigators have transitioned from a missing person’s case to a homicide investigation.”
It has also since come to light that Ella had last been seen driving her Audi in the Calcasieu Parish area with one passenger, Brandon. Brandon was reportedly named a person of interest during the investigation but has not been charged.
Two weeks after Ella disappeared, he was also arrested in connection with an unrelated 2018 case. Brandon was initially charged with several crimes, including theft of an automobile, second-degree murder, and obstruction of justice.
He pled guilty to a second-degree murder charge and was sentenced to 30 years in prison in October. And according to Brandon’s lead prosecutor, Brian Cespiva, this was not the first time he was convicted of a violent crime.
During the early 2000s, Brandon attempted to murder his then-wife and stabbed her “multiple times.” He then served out a 10-year prison sentence.
According to Brandon’s own attorney, Tiffany Sanders, though, he was not contacted regarding being a person of interest in Ella’s case.
So, in the meantime, Ella’s loved ones have continued their search for answers. They created a Facebook group entitled Help Find Ella to help spread awareness and updates on the case, and Felicia has taken to putting up posters.
“I’ll still continue my journey of putting her picture up at every gas station. I believe in God, so I know we’re going to get justice for her,” Felicia said.
Ella is five foot three, weighs 125 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. She also has numerous tattoos– one of which is a Houston Texans bull on her neck.
If you have any information regarding Ella’s case, you are urged to contact the Louisiana State Police Department at (318) 484-2194.
If true crime defines your free time, this is for you: join Chip Chick’s True Crime Tribe
