A 65-year-old Beaumont man is facing a murder charge after admitting to reporters that he shot a 32-year-old woman, calling the killing an accident before cutting the conversation short to ask for his attorney. Patrick Brouchet was taken into custody in connection with the death of Kandace Washington, who was found dead at the scene of a shooting Saturday night.
Beaumont police responded to a shooting call at about 9 p.m. on October 17 in the 2500 block of North 10th Street, according to KFDM. Officers arrived to find Washington dead at the scene. Police say Brouchet, 65, is accused of murder in the shooting of Washington, 32.
Brouchet admitted to KFDM that he shot Washington, but when pressed for more detail, he said he wanted to talk with his attorney and declined to answer further questions. He called the shooting an accident but did not elaborate on what led up to it.
Suspect Apologizes, Describes Relationship With Victim
Brouchet was arrested for murder and brought to the police station, according to a report from 12NewsNow. Speaking to reporters, he again insisted it was an accident and apologized to Washington's family. Brouchet also said that he and Washington had been in a relationship.
What led up to the shooting remains under investigation, the station's report notes. Beaumont police have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding Washington's death, and it is not yet clear what, if anything, Brouchet is expected to clarify once he has spoken with an attorney.
Investigation Continues, Family Notified
Police have notified Washington's next of kin, per the same account from 12NewsNow. The investigation into her death remains ongoing as detectives continue working to determine exactly what happened inside the 2500 block of North 10th Street Saturday night.
Beaumont police are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the Beaumont Police Department at (409) 832-1234 or to Southeast Texas Crime Stoppers at (409) 833-TIPS (8477).
