A Louisiana couple is behind bars after deputies allege they subjected children to years of physical abuse, including one incident where a woman allegedly held a gun to a victim's head and threatened to kill her on the child's birthday. Daniel Daigle, 38, and Sariee Daigle, 36, were booked into the Beauregard Parish Jail in DeRidder, facing serious charges stemming from the alleged domestic violence.
Background
According to incident reports from the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office, two victims reported that the defendants choked, kicked, punched, and beat them with various objects. The children allegedly stated that the abuse occurred on a weekly basis and that Daniel and Sariee Daigle frequently lied to authorities and others about the source of the children's bruises.
The relationship between the suspects and the victims remains unclear, though the alleged pattern of abuse was long-standing. One victim described a terrifying encounter on her birthday, alleging that Sariee Daigle held a gun to her head and threatened to kill both the child and herself. The victim reportedly called this incident 'the worst thing that ever happened to her.' Additionally, the victim alleged that the woman once held a knife to her throat and pinned her against a wall by her neck.
Authorities noted that the children had previously reported the abuse years ago, leading to their temporary placement in the care of a family friend. The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services investigated at that time, resulting in the couple's initial arrest. However, the defendants allegedly dismissed those arrests as a misunderstanding, and the abuse reportedly continued in the interim.
The Charges
Both Daniel and Sariee Daigle have been charged with cruelty to juveniles. Sariee Daigle faces an additional charge of aggravated assault with a firearm. The current investigation reopened in July after one of the children disclosed at church that Daniel Daigle had threatened to rip out her earrings. Deputies subsequently went to the couple's home and arrested Sariee Daigle, while Daniel Daigle later turned himself in to authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Daniel Daigle, 38, and Sariee Daigle, 36, were booked into Beauregard Parish Jail.
- Both defendants are charged with cruelty to juveniles; Sariee Daigle also faces aggravated assault with a firearm.
- Victims allegedly reported weekly beatings, including choking, kicking, and punching.
- One victim alleged Sariee Daigle held a gun to her head and threatened to kill her on her birthday.
- The couple was previously arrested years ago for similar allegations, which they allegedly dismissed as a misunderstanding.
- The recent investigation began after a child reported at church that Daniel Daigle threatened to rip out her earrings.
What's Next
The Daigles are currently held in Beauregard Parish Jail pending further legal proceedings. Authorities have not yet released specific court dates for arraignment or trial. The Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the allegations of long-term abuse, while the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services remains involved in the welfare of the victims.