Body found off I-55 in Ruddock identified

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, March 24, 2010

By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – St. John the Baptist Parish authorities have identified the body of a man found in the water along Interstate 55 in Ruddock Thursday night.

St. John Parish search and rescue responded to a 911 call around 7:30 p.m. and spoke to a boater who said he saw the body in the water about two miles north of the Ruddock exit on I-55, said Capt. Dane Clement, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office.

The man has been identfied as Ron Sterling Jefferson, 32, of Montz, who was reported missing by family members on March 7.

Authorities said cause of death has not been determined, but they believe foul play is involved.

Anyone with information that will help identify the man should call St. John Detectives at 985-652-6338.