Louisiana Boy, 6, Escapes Deadly Stabbing, Alerts Neighbor
A 6-year-old Houma, Louisiana, boy is being praised as a hero after escaping a mass stabbing that killed four family members, reaching a neighbor's home for help despite critical injuries. Suspect Kaegan Jude Solet, 47, faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.
A 6-year-old boy from Houma, Louisiana, is being hailed as a hero after he escaped a mass stabbing that left four family members dead and managed to reach a neighbor's home for help despite suffering multiple stab wounds. The boy, who remains hospitalized in stable condition, is credited with helping authorities capture the suspect, 47-year-old Kaegan Jude Solet, who now faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.
According to the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the 200 block of Ashland Drive after the wounded boy made it to a neighbor's doorstep. The suspect reportedly followed the child to the neighbor's door, knocked him to the ground and then fled. Once inside the home, the boy lost consciousness, and the neighbor called 911. He was transported by Acadian Ambulance Service Air Med to an out-of-area hospital in critical condition.
As deputies continued their preliminary investigation, they discovered four deceased victims inside two nearby residences. Detectives identified Solet as a person of interest and launched an intensive manhunt. He was captured early Sunday morning with the help of information provided by the boy and the neighbor. Solet had also been hospitalized for injuries sustained during the attack and was released on Tuesday before being booked into custody.
The boy's father shared updates on social media, writing that his son is «stable» and calling him «so so strong and such a fighter.» In another post, he thanked supporters for their prayers and said his son «appreciates every last one of you reaching out and helping and praying.» A GoFundMe page organized by Brandon Thiel has raised nearly $60,000 of its $70,000 goal to support the boy and his family. The page identified the victims as Verna Mae Verdin and Letha Verret, who were killed in their home. Thiel noted that the 6-year-old «despite his injuries, he was able to escape and get help,» and described the devastating loss for Letha's minor children, who lost their mother, grandmother and uncle in the attack.
Sheriff Tim Soignet expressed his condolences in a statement, saying, «Our hearts remain with the victims, their families and every member of our community who has been affected by this unimaginable tragedy.» He added that no words can lessen the pain but emphasized the agency's commitment to pursuing justice. Soignet also praised the response of his personnel and supporting agencies.
The investigation has raised questions about how Solet was previously handled by the justice system. In December 2019, he was arrested for allegedly stabbing a woman repeatedly and leaving her locked inside a Houma motel room. Lieutenant Blake Tabor of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office said authorities are also seeking answers about why Solet was no longer in custody. «I can't tell you. Certainly, that's the hot question, right? Why is he out?» Tabor said. «We're probably just as stunned as everyone else is.» He noted that the sheriff's office has a strong working relationship with the district attorney's office but said questions remain about how the previous cases were handled. «How this slipped through, I certainly don't know, but it's a question that probably needs to be answered,» he said.
Solet was known to the family, according to reports, but the sheriff's office has not shared a motive. The community continues to rally around the young survivor, whose bravery in seeking help has been widely praised. As the investigation proceeds, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward while the boy remains hospitalized and his family copes with the loss of four loved ones.
