Two Police Officers Arrested in Connection with Independence Homicide

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has arrested two Independence Police Officers in
connection with the recent murder of an Independence man. Mitchell Rainey, 33, and Caitlyn Rainey, 27, have each been booked on one count of Malfeasance in Office and Obstruction of Justice.

Around Noon on Thursday, January 23, 2025, a call came in for an unresponsive person at a home in the 53000 block of Crossover Road. Deputies arrived to find 30-year-old David Parnell, Jr., dead in a bedroom. An autopsy conducted later confirmed Parnell’s death as a homicide.

During the investigation, it was discovered that Mitchell Rainey, an acquaintance of the victim, removed evidence from the scene without investigative authority or informing TPSO detectives. It was also determined Caitlyn Rainey, Mitchell’s wife, later altered that evidence.

TPSO Criminal Investigations detectives continue actively working on this case to determine the suspect or suspects responsible for this murder and they welcome the public’s ongoing help in that effort.

“I applaud the effort of our investigators to cover all angles of this case and I thank Chief Edwards for his cooperation and shared vision for a higher standard of expectations for those of us sworn to protect and serve,” said Sheriff Sticker, “Though this is a tragic situation made more difficult by these circumstances, it is the necessary response for the choices made by these individuals.”

"This is a disheartening situation, but we, as law enforcement officers, should always do the right thing," Independence Police Chief Frank Edwards said, "These two officers are currently on administrative leave without pay pending the termination process. We have cooperated fully with our partners at the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office and will continue to assist with this investigation as they request."

Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information about this crime and/or those responsible to contact Det. Russell Walker at 985-902-2045.  If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! You may be eligible for a cash reward.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***