Woman shot dead in home

A near four-hour manhunt ended last night when Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a man they believe shot and killed his ex-girlfriend.

IPSO Public Information Officer Capt. Wendell Raborn said the manhunt began at 6:11 p.m. Thursday when authorities responded to the Iberia Village Apartment complex at 502 Admiral Doyle Drive, where a shooting was reported.

“When deputies arrived, they found a 31-year-old black female in the apartment suffering from an apparent gunshot wound,” Raborn said.

Iberia Parish Coroner Dr. James Falterman Sr. said 32-year-old Cherlyn Peters was pronounced dead at 7:10 p.m. Thursday in the emergency room of Iberia Medical Center.

“She had a gun shot wound to the right shoulder and chest,” Falterman said this morning. “That was the cause of death. The manner of death I have ruled as homicide.”

An IPSO release said witnesses told deputies the victim and Victor Hill, 27, were involved in an argument that turned physical. Deputies were told Hill was arguing with the victim about a cell phone and began hitting her with his fist.

During the fight, Hill pulled out a handgun and shot the victim.

The Sheriff's Office said Hill fled the area in a Toyota Avalon with his current girlfriend, and his girlfriend contacted the Sheriff’s Office a short time later, saying Hill had taken her vehicle at gunpoint and left her on the side of Admiral Doyle.

Investigators located the girlfriend and brought her to the Criminal Investigation Division for questioning, Raborn said. Deputies and investigators found the Avalon at a Washington Street residence around 9 pm. Occupants told investigators Hill left the area in a Honda Accord driven by a female.

“An intensive search was conducted and the vehicle was located on LaSalle Street in New Iberia shortly after 10 p.m.,” Raborn said.

“Deputies were able to stop the vehicle on Field Street near the intersection of Elizabeth Street and take Hill into custody without incident. The female in the vehicle was brought to the CID (Criminal Investigation Division) where she was interviewed and released.”

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the victim and Hill were previously involved in a relationship and 11 juveniles and the victim’s brother were present in the apartment during the shooting.

Hill, also known as Clarence Wilson, was booked into the Iberia Parish Correctional Center on a second degree murder charge, as well as armed robbery and felon in possession of a weapon charges.

“The elements of the crime did not constitute first degree murder,” Raborn said.

“The district attorney’s office was at the scene and assisted on advising on the appropriate charge.”

The Sheriff’s Office said Hill has an extensive criminal record consisting of narcotics charges, charges for violent crimes and probation violations.

No bond has been set at this time.