Family of Anthony Batiste speaks about his death - KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Family of Anthony Batiste speaks about his death

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By Lee Peck - bio | email
Anthony Batiste, Source: Family Anthony Batiste, Source: Family
Anthony Batiste, Source: Family Anthony Batiste, Source: Family

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LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) -

Three Lake Area families are now planning funerals for loved ones after three homicides this weekend. KPLC's Lee Peck spoke with the family of Anthony Batiste as they try to digest the news of his death.

"We are in a nightmare and trying to wake up," said Crystal Batiste Lee, Anthony's cousin.

Crystal said that nightmare started Sunday night at 3214 Louisiana Avenue. Anthony's brother Randle brought him there to pick up some of his belongings from the home of his on again, off again girlfriend Shawna Cedars.

Waiting in the car, Randle heard shouts followed by gunshots. Anthony's lifeless body was discovered moments later on the floor inside the home. He would later die at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. 

Shawna's brother, Keenan Cedars, and 17-year-old son, Austin Cedars, both face a second-degree murder charge while Shawna was picked up for drugs.

As they struggle to come to terms with his death, Anthony's family recalled the recent Thanksgiving holiday.

"It was very happy because he came in and he ate, he ate and he ate some more. It was a good day," said Crystal.

Crystal said Anthony, or "Toodie" as his family liked to call him, was a 2004 graduate of Barbe High School. Crystal said he was a star athlete in football and track and had an unforgettable personality.

"He was awesome and I'm not saying that because he was my cousin. He was enthusiastic, outgoing. He would keep you smiling. He would keep you laughing even in times like this. He would be the one to keep us up. He would," said Crystal.

Anthony leaves behind a large family, including two young daughters.

"He has two kids. How do you tell an 8-year-old and a 4-year-old that their daddy is not coming home. And he lost his life for nothing," said Crystal.

The Batiste family said Kings Funeral Home is handling the funeral, which is still pending.

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