Man accused in brutal motel stabbing sought as person of interest in 4 deaths, child attack
Houma, La. — A violent outbreak in the Ashland Drive neighborhood has left four people dead and a child fighting for life, prompting a manhunt for a local man with a history of assault allegations.
Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet said detectives have identified 47‑year‑old Kaegan Jude Solet as a person of interest in the stabbing spree. Deputies responding to a call on the 200 block of Ashland Drive found a wounded child, who was airlifted to an out‑of‑area hospital. Lieutenant Blake Tabor of the sheriff’s office described the child’s injuries as “extremely significant” and noted the youngster remains in critical but stable condition. Tabor added, “That’s not something that you want to see ever.”
As deputies canvassed the area, they discovered at least four bodies inside nearby homes. Authorities have not released the victims’ identities or described any relationships among them, the injured child, or Solet. The motive behind the attacks remains unknown, and investigators have not said whether the violence occurred in a single residence or multiple locations.
Solet has not been arrested or charged in connection with the latest deaths. The sheriff’s office stressed that labeling him a person of interest does not constitute an accusation of wrongdoing. Law enforcement believes he is still in the Houma area but is not ruling out the possibility that he has left. Tabor said investigators are “using every investigative tool that we have” and hope to take him into custody “very quickly.” He also stated there is currently no evidence that Solet intends to flee the state or “go on the run,” though all options are being examined.
The case has revived attention on Solet’s prior encounters with the justice system. In December 2019, Houma police arrested him after he allegedly stabbed a woman repeatedly and locked her inside a room at the Red Carpet Inn on Christmas Eve. The victim, a 59‑year‑old woman, suffered life‑threatening wounds and was taken to a medical facility. Solet was charged with attempted second‑degree murder. Earlier, in January 2019, a warrant for his arrest was issued on a second‑degree murder charge related to the killing of Kemple Paul Scott Lovell. The outcomes of those cases have not been made public.
When asked why Solet is not currently in custody, Tabor responded, “I can’t tell you. Certainly, that’s the hot question, right? Why is he out? We’re probably just as stunned as everyone else is.” He also questioned how the earlier cases were handled, saying, “How this slipped through, I certainly don’t know, but it’s a question that probably needs to be answered.”
The sheriff’s office urges anyone with information about Solet’s whereabouts to contact detectives at 985‑876‑2500. The investigation remains active and preliminary, with further details expected to be released as they become available.