OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) — An Opelousas man has been charged with the 2020 homicide of a 66-year-old man.

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office reported that Lester Ray Johnson Jr., 31, of Opelousas, has been charged with the 2020 first-degree murder of 66-year-old Joseph Vallian, of Lawtell.

According to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, on Sept. 16, 2020, deputies responded to the 400 block of McClelland Street in Lawtell regarding a unresponsive male. The victim, 66-year-old Joseph Vallian, was found lying face down in the kitchen with his hands bound behind his back with a black leather belt.

Officials also said a large safe in Vallian’s home that contained $20,000 in US currency, jewelry and important documents was missing. Upon questioning family members, it was learned that associates of the family, which included Johnson, may have been aware of the safe and what it contained.

On Sept. 29, 2020, a bandana with what was believed to be blood was found in a laundry basket inside the home, according to authorities. Upon DNA testing, officials said it was learned that the blood on the bandana matched Johnson. The DNA results, plus additional key evidence and the disproving of Johnson’s alibi, led to an arrest warrant being issued for Johnson.

On May 3, Johnson was charged with first-degree murder at the St. Landry Parish Jail. He has been incarcerated since April 19, for unrelated charges.

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