Arrest made in connection with Jody Barlow homicide

Zachery Bench (Source: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office)

CALCASIEU PARISH, LA (KPLC) - An arrest has been made in connection with the death of Jody L. Barlow, 33, whose body was found near Starks Thursday, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Mancuso said at a news conference Monday afternoon.

Vinton man Zachery A. Bench, 21, has been arrested and more arrests may be coming, Mancuso said. Bench is charged with second-degree murder, armed robbery and obstruction of justice. Bond has been set at $1.8 million.

Barlow, who was working construction in the area, was found shot multiple times, Mancuso said. Barlow and Bench had met recently.

"There was no reason for this person to die," Mancuso said. ""The motive appears to be robbery and that's a shame."

In addition to his truck, Polaris side-by-side and trailer, Barlow's personal items, including an iPad and guns were taken. On Saturday morning, Barlow's truck, side-by-side and trailer were found completely burned in the 2000 block of Greenmore Road, about 10 miles from Starks, Mancuso said.

Bench and Barlow were seen together late Tuesday evening on surveillance video at a convenience store and Bench was seen driving the side-by-side around 7 a.m. Wednesday, near where Barlow's body was discovered, Mancuso said. Bench asked for directions because he was lost. A witness saw a large amount of black smoke and the smell of burning rubber around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

We know that Bench had to have help getting from the truck back to Starks, the Sheriff said. He said there is a person of interest.

Barlow's body was found by hunters.