TANGIPAHOA PARISH — Two Independence police officers were arrested in connection to the murder of an Independence man after allegedly tampering with evidence at a murder scene, according to the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office.
Mitchell Rainey, 33, and Caitlyn Rainey, 27, are facing charges for malfeasance in office and obstruction of justice after TPSO alleges they removed and altered evidence from the murder scene of 30-year-old David Parnell Jr.
Parnell was found unresponsive at a home in the 5300 block of Crossover Road on January 23rd.
An autopsy conducted later ruled Parnell’s death as a homicide.
During an investigation into that homicide, it was discovered that Officer Mitchell Rainey, an acquaintance of the victim, allegedly removed evidence from the scene without informing TPSO detectives.
It was also determined that Officer Caitlyn Rainey later allegedly altered evidence.
Independence Police Chief Frank Edwards said the two officers are currently on administrative leave.
“This is a disheartening situation, but we, as law enforcement officers, should always do the right thing,” he said, “These two officers are currently on administrative leave without pay pending the termination process. We have cooperated fully with our partners at the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and will continue to assist with this investigation as they request.”
TPSO is still investigating who may be responsible for Parnell’s death.
Tangiphoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker asked anyone with information about this crime and/or those responsible to contact Det. Russell Walker at 985-902-2045.
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One Response
There are some rogue cops on the police force and failure to punish them for their bad deeds casts a web of distrust on the entire organization. I hope that the truth comes to light and the guilty part(ies) is/are punished to the full extent that the law allows!