Bernice, LA — A quiet Saturday morning was shattered by a horrific act of violence in the small town of Bernice, Louisiana, when deputies from the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office (UPSO) responded to a stabbing call at the Bernice Villa Apartments on July 12, 2025. The incident has left the close-knit community reeling, as authorities discovered the body of 71-year-old Delmer Watts Sr., a longtime resident, brutally killed in what investigators believe was a deliberate attack involving a hatchet. His son, 36-year-old Delmer Watts Jr., has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the crime.
Deputies were dispatched to the apartment complex at 115 W. 4th Street following an emergency call reporting a violent incident. Upon arrival, they found Delmer Watts Sr. deceased inside the residence, with multiple traumatic injuries consistent with a violent assault. The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID) was immediately called to the scene to conduct a detailed investigation.
Preliminary findings suggest that Delmer Watts Sr. had been deceased for several hours before authorities were notified, prompting questions about the timeline of events and potential delays in reporting the crime. Evidence collected at the scene pointed to a targeted and brutal attack, with investigators recovering a hatchet believed to be the murder weapon.
Delmer Watts Jr., the victim’s son, was present at the apartment when deputies arrived and was taken into custody without incident. A search of the premises uncovered additional evidence linking Watts Jr. to the killing. During questioning, authorities noted signs of impairment in Watts Jr., and interviews revealed a history of tension between father and son. While the precise motive for the attack remains under investigation, the nature of the violence suggests a deeply personal conflict that escalated to a tragic outcome.
Watts Jr. was booked into the Union Parish Detention Center on a charge of first-degree murder. He is being held pending further legal proceedings, with the possibility of additional charges as the investigation unfolds.
The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office is continuing its thorough investigation, gathering forensic evidence, conducting witness interviews, and working to reconstruct the events leading up to the fatal encounter. Authorities have indicated that the case may involve complex factors, including possible issues related to substance abuse or longstanding familial disputes.
In a public statement, a spokesperson for the UPSO expressed sorrow over the tragedy, stating, “This is a devastating loss for the Watts family and the entire Bernice community. We are dedicated to pursuing justice for Delmer Watts Sr. and uncovering the full circumstances of this heartbreaking incident.”
The shocking nature of the crime has left Bernice residents grappling with grief and disbelief. The Sheriff’s Office is urging the community to seek help in situations of domestic conflict or mental health challenges, emphasizing the importance of early intervention to prevent such tragedies. Local resources are available for those struggling with family issues, substance abuse, or mental health concerns.
As the investigation progresses, the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office has promised to provide updates to the public. The community of Bernice mourns the loss of Delmer Watts Sr. and hopes for answers and healing in the wake of this unthinkable act of violence.
