On April 18, Vernell A. Chatman, Jr., 35, Lake Charles, was found guilty on one (1) count Manslaughter; and one (1) count Second Degree Feticide.
In 2019, Chatman choked and brutally beat an 8 months pregnant woman and left her body in the freezing cold. The victim and unborn baby died as a result of their injuries.
Chatman is being held without bond. Sentencing will be held July 22, 2022 before Judge Michael Canaday.
Assistant District Attorneys Charles Robinson and Taylor Alexander prosecuted the case for the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office.