Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office Arrests 19-Year-Old in Connection with Javion Batiste Murder

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office announced today the arrest of Jody W. Vital, 19, of Broussard, in connection with the murder of Javion Batiste. The arrest was made with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Office.

Charges Filed

Jody Vital faces multiple charges, including:

Second Degree Murder (LA RS 14:30.1)
False Imprisonment (LA RS 14:46)
Aggravated Assault (LA RS 14:37)

In addition, Vital was also arrested on outstanding warrants from both the Broussard City Police Department and the New Iberia Police Department.

Discovery of the Body

On July 21, 2023, deputies of the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a distress call regarding a body found in a sugarcane field near the 4000 block of Landry Road in Iberia Parish.

The body was subsequently identified by the Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office as Javion Batiste, 19, of Youngsville.

Bond and Ongoing Investigation

Vital has been booked into the Iberia Parish Jail, with bond set at $3,000,000. Authorities have indicated that the investigation into this case continues to be ongoing.

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office has not released additional information at this time, but this story will be updated as more details become available.

For further information, contact the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office or follow their official social media channels.