Opelousas Police Officer Savannah Butler, 42, Opelousas Police Chief Graig “Twin” LeBlanc and his wife, Captain Crystal LeBlanc
According the Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, on January 1, 2024, Opelousas Police Officer Savannah Butler, 42, surrendered to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office by turning herself in to the parish jail.
Butler was booked on these charges: 2 counts of negligent injury (misdemeanor), 1 count of obstruction of justice (felony), and 1 count of illegal discharge of a firearm (felony). Butler then posted a bond of $22,000.
The arrest stems from the December 22, 2023, domestic issue that led to the negligent shooting of Opelousas Police Chief Graig “Twin” LeBlanc and his wife, Captain Crystal LeBlanc with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation revealed that Leblanc and his wife were shot at Butler’s home on Garnet Drive just outside the city limits of Opelousas. On the night of the 22nd, Crystal Leblanc went to Garnet Drive to speak to her husband who was inside Butler’s home and knocked on the door of the residence.
Chief LeBlanc then walked outside and the two began arguing. Butler then entered the doorway armed with a gun. When Chief LeBlanc put his hand out in front of the weapon to retrieve the gun, he was shot in the hand. The bullet then traveled through the chief's hand and hit his wife, Crystal, in the arm. After being shot, both admitted themselves to local hospitals.
The investigation revealed that Savannah Butler cleaned up the scene to cover up evidence prior to notifying the sheriff’s office which constituted the charge of obstruction of justice. The LeBlancs were treated then later released pending additional medical treatment.
Detectives obtained statements from medical personnel, Opelousas police officers, and all parties involved and found that the findings warranted charges to be filed on Butler. Detectives also found probable cause to issue a trespass summons to Captain Crystal LeBlanc for entering Butler’s property.
Both Captain LeBlanc and Officer Butler were placed on administrative leave by their respective agencies pending the completion of the investigation.
Opelousas police officer accused of shooting chief & wife turns herself in to authorities
According the Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, on January 1, 2024, Opelousas Police Officer Savannah Butler surrendered to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office by turning herself in to the parish jail; Butler was booked on these charges: 2 counts of negligent injury, 1 count of obstruction of...
After rising to the rank of Detective Sergeant, Graig LeBlanc was elected as the Opelousas Police Chief in November 2022 and took office in January 2023.
The couple have been married since April 2004 and share two children.
“I want to express my sincere apologies to my wife, my family, all parties involved, and to each and every member of our community,” the Opelousas Police Chief wrote in his statement.
Louisiana police chief, wife shot by his subordinate in love triangle dispute, publicly admits his infidelity
“Infidelity is a breach of not only the personal commitments I made but also the professional standards we all expect from those in public service.”
