What began as a late-May medical emergency involving a 31-year-old mother from Onalaska has now led to the arrest of a local man and his mother, Polk County deputies say.
Authorities report that 36-year-old Cody Allen Laviolette was taken into custody Friday on charges of aggravated assault and unlawful restraint. His mother, Patty Laviolette, was also arrested on a separate drug-related charge. Investigators say multiple people have already stepped forward with information and are urging anyone else with knowledge about the case to contact detectives.
What investigators say
According to Click2Houston, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office opened its investigation after the late-May death of a 31-year-old Onalaska mother, identified in public records as Kelly Taylor Mariah Little. Deputies were initially called to a reported medical emergency in the Onalaska area, where they found Little and arranged for her to be flown to a hospital in Conroe. She later died at the hospital.
Detectives say that as they worked the case, witnesses came forward with information that focused attention on Cody Laviolette. According to the sheriff’s office, several women have reported interactions with Laviolette, and investigators believe some potential witnesses may be hesitant to speak up because of statements allegedly made about his family’s influence in the area.
Despite that, authorities say the investigation has gained momentum as more people share what they know, and they are publicly urging anyone with information to come forward.
About the victim
An obituary from Pace-Stancil Funeral Home identifies the woman as Kelly Taylor Mariah Little and says she died in Conroe in late May. The funeral notice describes Little as a devoted mother and notes that her family has set up a bank account to help support her three children.
Charges and how to help
Deputies arrested Cody Allen Laviolette on charges of aggravated assault and unlawful restraint, and arrested his mother, Patty Laviolette, on a charge of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, according to Click2Houston. Investigators say they are still working to identify anyone who may have witnessed criminal behavior involving Laviolette or believes they may have been a victim.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to contact Detectives Craig Finegan or Kayla Hemperly at 936-327-6810. Deputies emphasize that tips and witness statements have been central to moving the case forward.
What comes next
The case remains under active investigation. Prosecutors will review the evidence and decide whether to pursue additional or upgraded charges beyond the arrests already made. As more court records and official statements become public, they are expected to shed further light on what led to Little’s death and how investigators built their case.
This story will be updated as new records or public statements become available.
