Police looking for 55-inch TV removed from dead man’s apartment
Published 11:04 am Friday, July 15, 2016
LAPLACE — Authorities working to determine the cause of death for a local man found dead Monday feel a piece of home entertainment equipment may hold the key.
Willie Andrews
“A television is missing,” St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre said. “It’s a 55-inch JVC television. Somebody might know someone who just came across a 55-inch JVC, which you don’t hear of too often. We want to see if someone will give us a tip to see who they know who just showed up with a brand new 55-inch TV.”
Deputies are investigating the death of 58-year-old Willie Andrews, of LaPlace, who was found dead Monday afternoon in his apartment in the 600 block of Bluebonnet Court.
The coroner pronounced Andrews dead on the scene, and an autopsy conducted Wednesday “was unable to determine a cause of death,” Tregre said.
Authorities are now waiting on toxicology tests and hoping to hear from the pathologist as to what Andrews’ cause of death was.
Tregre said Andrews did have an extensive medical record.
Andrews’ girlfriend told deputies she found him on the floor and his apartment in disarray.
“Detectives found no evidence of forced entry into the apartment but suspect foul play in the death of the victim, because the apartment was rummaged through,” Tregre said.
According to Tregre, Andrews is originally from Florida and lived in Texas until moving to LaPlace approximately five years ago. He mostly stayed to himself, Tregre said, but did associate with a handful of local friends.
The victim had “very little” connection with LaPlace, Tregre said, adding Andrews was known to work odd jobs, washing cars and working at local mechanic shops.
“He was on disability,” Tregre added.
Detectives are seeking information from anyone who knew Andrews and his daily activities. Detectives ask anyone familiar with Andrews’ most recent whereabouts or anyone who saw Andrews with other associates to call authorities.
They can call the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.
Those who call Crimestoppers do not have to testify and may qualify for a cash reward. Tips can be submitted at stjohnsheriff.org/submitatip.php.
