LSN Staff Reports

RAYNE – One former Crowley resident is dead and another in critical condition after a domestic dispute turned deadly in Rayne Thursday afternoon.

According to reports, William “Bill” Gibson, 66, shot his estranged wife Georgia in the chest then turned the gun on himself at a residence on Wiltz Street shortly after noon. The female was rushed to American Legion Hospital in Crowley and at press time was listed in serious condition after emergency surgery.

Reports and eyewitnesses at the scene said Georgia Gibson had fled her husband and was seeking refuge at the home of her sister in Rayne. Her husband then arrived Thursday afternoon and was carrying the weapon he used to shoot his wife and kill himself.

Gibson was pronounced dead at the scene by Acadia Parish Coroner Dr. Mark Dawson from a single bullet wound to the head. Assisting Dr. Dawson at the scene were Coroner Investigator Allen Breaux along with officers from the Rayne Police Department, Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office and Acadian Ambulance Service.

According to sources, both Gibson and his estranged wife were involved in a similar altercation less than two weeks ago at his Aspen Lane address in Lafayette. In Lafayette, Gibson barricaded himself inside the home at 200 Aspen forcing evacuation of several homes and the closure of several roads in the subdivision. Sometime later the situation was peacefully resolved and without incident. The Lafayette SWAT team was also summoned to the disturbance.

Many in Crowley will remember William “Bill” Gibson as a reserve Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Deputy in the 80s while his wife served as principal at St. Michael Elementary School from a period of 1981 to 1984.

Further details on the shooting will be released by officials with the Rayne Police Department as they become available.