Carencro Murder-Suicide Victims Identified, Prior Restraining Order Revealed

Court records show victim had filed for protection order weeks before deadly incident.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the physical aftermath of a violent crime.The grim physical evidence of a tragic domestic violence incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for better protections and support for victims.Lafayette Today

Authorities have identified the two people killed in a murder-suicide in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana as 41-year-old Dalana Charlot and 33-year-old Raylon Wiltz. According to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a home on Maggie Lane late Wednesday night after reports of a shooting, where they found Charlot and Wiltz suffering from gunshot wounds in the driveway. Charlot was pronounced dead at the scene, while Wiltz was transported to a local hospital where he later died. Investigators say early findings suggest Wiltz shot Charlot, his estranged girlfriend, before turning the gun on himself.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the importance of enforcing restraining orders to protect victims. The case has drawn attention on social media, with many in the community expressing concern over the timeline of events and the earlier warning signs outlined in court filings.

The details

Court records show that Charlot had previously taken legal action against Wiltz, and was granted a restraining order on January 30 - the same day Wiltz was arrested for simple battery. In the filing, Charlot alleged that Wiltz had threatened her with a knife, was experiencing mental health issues, and had expressed suicidal behavior. However, the restraining order was later dismissed in February after Charlot did not appear for a scheduled court hearing. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation, and authorities say more information could be released as detectives continue to piece together what led to the deadly encounter.

  • On January 30, Charlot was granted a restraining order against Wiltz.
  • In February, the restraining order was dismissed after Charlot did not appear for a scheduled court hearing.
  • On the night of April 2, deputies responded to the home on Maggie Lane and found Charlot and Wiltz with gunshot wounds.

The players

Dalana Charlot

A 41-year-old woman who was killed in the murder-suicide incident.

Raylon Wiltz

A 33-year-old man who shot and killed Charlot, his estranged girlfriend, before turning the gun on himself.

Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and is investigating the case.

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What’s next

Authorities say more information could be released as detectives continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the deadly incident.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the importance of enforcing restraining orders to protect victims. It also underscores the need for better support systems and resources to address mental health concerns and prevent such devastating outcomes.