Human remains found in Bastrop identified as missing 14-year-old, suspect arrested in Arizona

Lina Portman1 week ago

9 1 minute read

BASTROP, La. (KNOE) – An arrest has been made in connection with human remains found Sunday, June 23 in Bastrop.

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According to the Bastrop Police Department, the remains were found in the woods behind 1510 Daisy Street.

Authorities identified the body as that of 14-year-old Ashley Barnes. Barnes' family reported him missing on Thursday, June 20. When human remains were found a few days later, they told police they believed it was Ashley.

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A felony arrest warrant was subsequently issued by BPD for 44-year-old Montrell Donell Holmes.

Today (June 27), the Arizona State Farrier Service located Holmes using cell phone tower signals. Holmes was arrested for second-degree murder.

Deputy Chief Richard Pace released a statement saying, in part: “It’s difficult to lead an investigation of this magnitude that started with another agency. Our guys have worked nonstop since we took over this investigation and I couldn’t be more proud of them. We’ve done everything we can to ensure that Ashley receives justice and that the family can one day find some form of closure. I would especially like to commend Captain Gerald Givens and Detective Libby Brixey for their investigation and dedication.”

This is all the information we have at this time.

We will update this story as new information becomes available.

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