LAPLACE — A LaPlace woman is facing a murder charge after police said she threw hot oil on a friend, leading to the woman’s death.

On Feb. 26, at approximately 6:45 a.m., the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1700 block of Creole Street in LaPlace in reference to an aggravated battery.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the 50-year-old victim, Alena Populis, severely burned on the face, left shoulder and legs, sitting on the floor near the front door.

The woman told officers 56-year-old Stacey Williams Sylvester, who was a friend of hers, came to her home and attacked her with a pot of boiling cooking oil.

The two women had argued the night before.

A short time later, officers located Sylvester walking to her residence on Delta Road. Police said Sylvester confessed to her involvement in the attack.

The victim was transported by emergency medical services to a Baton Rouge burn unit for treatment. Police said the victim succumbed to her injuries on March 5.

Sylvester was arrested Feb. 26 for aggravated second degree battery. As a result of the victim’s death, the charge was upgraded to second degree murder on March 8.

Sylvester is being held in custody in lieu of a $485,000 bond.