Man wanted for second-degree murder in death of 7-year-old girl in Addis

The Addis Police Department has obtained an arrest warrant for Christopher Butler in connection with the death of a seven-year-old girl following a domestic violence incident Wednesday evening. Butler is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of felony domestic abuse battery.

Man wanted for second-degree murder in death of 7-year-old girl in Addis

Editor's note, July 3: A second arrest has been made in this case. [Read the latest update here.]

ADDIS, La. — The Addis Police Department has obtained an arrest warrant for Christopher Butler in connection with the death of a seven-year-old girl following a domestic violence incident Wednesday evening.

Butler is charged with one count of second-degree murder under Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:30.1 and two counts of felony domestic abuse battery – child endangerment under Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:35.3(I). He has not been apprehended and police are asking for the public's help locating him.

According to a press release issued Thursday by the department, officers responded to a residence in the 8000 block of LA Highway 1 South on the evening of July 1 after receiving a report of an unresponsive child. Officers found the child suffering from critical injuries and initiated lifesaving efforts before she was transported to a local children's hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Detectives determined that an alleged domestic violence incident had occurred inside the residence involving Butler and an adult female. During the altercation, furniture was reportedly overturned and the child sustained fatal injuries, according to the release.

Witness statements and evidence collected at the scene were used to establish probable cause for the warrant.

The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be considered as the case moves through the judicial process.

Anyone with information regarding Butler's whereabouts is urged to contact the Addis Police Department at (225) 687-2222, the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, or their local law enforcement agency. Police are advising the public not to approach or attempt to apprehend Butler.

The charges contained in the arrest warrant are allegations, and Butler is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.