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VERNON PARISH, La. — Melissa Ann Sweat, a Pitkin resident, has pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter in connection with the fatal shooting of her husband, Rodney Sweat.
Authorities say Sweat called 911 on August 20, 2024, reporting that she had shot her husband at their home on Boundary Road. Rodney Sweat was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound.
Originally charged with second-degree murder, Melissa Sweat entered her guilty plea before Judge Tony Bennett and will face a sentencing hearing on January 28, 2026.
For the manslaughter conviction, Sweat could face up to 40 years in prison.
