Hatch found guilty of second-degree murder

Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - A verdict has been reached in the trial of Casey Hatch, the man accused of murdering a mother and her 12-year-old daughter in a 2020 house fire.

Casey Hatch is found guilty as charged of two counts of second-degree murder.

The defense’s last witness was Hatch’s stepfather known as “Junebug.”

He testified that when Casey stopped taking his mental health meds he would look at the ground and talk to himself. His stepfather said he didn’t understand Casey’s peculiar behavior and stayed away from him.

He also testified that he warned one of the victims, Barie Bourque, she should take her money and get a hotel room because Casey could not be trusted when he was off his meds.

According to police body cam video, Hatch told authorities there was no one in the burning house even though the mother and daughter were trapped inside.

Bourque and her 12-year-old daughter Ski Smith died in the fire set by Hatch.

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