Troy Scott Jordan Indicted for 2017 Murder of Donna Arceneaux

District Attorney Collin Sims has announced that on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) a Washington Parish Grand Jury officially indicted Troy Scott Jordan, age 59 and of Franklinton, for the murder of Donna Arceneaux on October 23, 2017. The indictment formally charges Jordan with one count of Second-Degree Murder. 

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty

Jordan was previously arrested on December 23, 2025, following a renewed and intensive investigation led by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Editor's note: Just before midnight on October 23, 2017, the body of 40-year-old Donna Smith Arceneaux was found in her Franklinton, LA home with a fatal gunshot wound to her lower left breast. Investigations into her death has been a “roller-coaster”, culminating in this indictment. And it may not be over yet. There is much more to learn. 

Click here for previous related stories and links providing additional background

“This indictment is a vital step in our pursuit of justice for Donna Arceneaux and her loved ones,” said District Attorney Collin Sims. “It reinforces our message that the passage of time does not diminish our resolve. Our Cold Case Unit, working alongside our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in seeking the truth and holding offenders accountable, no matter how long the case has remained unsolved.”

The prosecution of this matter will be led by Chief of Trials Doug Freese and Assistant District Attorney Tiffany Dover.

The successful advancement of this case was made possible through the diligent investigative work of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Jason Smith and investigators Fred Oswald and Jimmy Richard, with additional technical support from the Louisiana State Police and the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office.

District Attorney Sims continues to prioritize the review of regional cold cases, utilizing modern forensic technology and dedicated legal resources to bring closure to families across the 22nd Judicial District.

WPSO Sheriff Jason Smith Press Conference on the Arrest of Troy Scott Jordan for the Murder of Donna Arceneaux

For those who did not see the press conference earlier on our Facebook page, here it is

Arrest Made in Donna Arceneaux 2017 Murder

Today (Tuesday, December 23, 2025), Troy Scott Jordan of Franklinton was arrested and booked into the Washington Parish Jail on the charge of Second-Degree Murder in connection with Donna Arceneaux’s death in 2017.

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

Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith stated in the press release, “The arrest of Mr. Jordan marks a significant development in our ongoing effort to ensure accountability for this murder. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Louisiana State Police not only for the technical assistance of their Crime Lab but also for the efforts of their Investigative Team to rescue this case from dormancy. The assistance of the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s office was also particularly beneficial to the investigation, and I appreciate all their support on this case.

I want to thank Collin Sims, our District Attorney, for the legal guidance of his staff and their cooperation throughout this investigation. His partnership was essential in advancing this case to its current stage, and we will continue to work closely with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure that this case proceeds appropriately through the judicial process.

Fred Oswald and Jimmy Richard, our investigators on this case, were firmly committed to pursuing justice on behalf of Ms. Arceneaux and her loved ones. Their experience and perspective were instrumental to the progress we’ve made, and they remained disciplined and persistent throughout this process. I commend their ability to handle this case with the utmost diligence, professionalism and respect for the victim and her family.”

Sheriff Smith will host a press conference later today.

The October, 2017 murder of 40-year-old single mom Donna Arceneaux on 2017 in Franklinton was the subject of a podcast series several months ago and elevated interest in the case.

Click here for previous related stories, including links to the podcast episodes.

WPSO Takes Back Responsibility for Donna Arceneaux Murder Investigation

 

Click here for the last Tucker Simmons podcast and links to all of the episodes 

Is Washington Parish Ready for the Truth? Investigating The Murder Of Donna Arceneaux. Episode 8

Freeze Frame is a documentary-style series exposing a tangled web of betrayal, blackmail, and murder buried for years in a small town where nothing is as it seems - a murder investigation of 40-year-old single mom Donna Arceneaux. In this episode, a suspect's story keeps changing, and the truth remains elusive. Tucker makes another attempt to speak with Scott, driven by details from sources and a need to understand the discrepancies that have surfaced. As the podcast inches closer to the truth, each conversation adds another layer of complexity to an already tangled case.

See the introduction and related links here.

Listen to Episode 1 here.

Listen to Episode 2 here.

Listen to Episode 3 here

Listen to Episode 4 here

Listen to Episode 5 here

Listen to Episode 6 here

Listen to Episode 7 here

Is Washington Parish Ready for the Truth? Investigating The Murder Of Donna Arceneaux. Episode 7

Freeze Frame is a documentary-style series exposing a tangled web of betrayal, blackmail, and murder buried for years in a small town where nothing is as it seems - a murder investigation of 40-year-old single mom Donna Arceneaux. In this episode, as public interest in Donna's case grew, it became a frequent topic in the ongoing campaign for sheriff. It caught the attention of the Louisiana State Police, and they took action—but we quickly discovered that they weren't the only ones attempting to work the case.

See the introduction and related links here.

Listen to Episode 1 here.

Listen to Episode 2 here.

Listen to Episode 3 here

Listen to Episode 4 here

Listen to Episode 5 here

Listen to Episode 6 here

Interview with Tucker Simmons of the Freeze Frame Podcast - Donna Arceneaux Case.

Freeze Frame tells the story of the 2017 unsolved murder  of Donna Arceneaux. Donna, a native of Franklinton, LA, was murdered sometime between October 22 and 23, 2017. The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office said it was a suicide; the Medical Examiner ruled it a homicide. Donna’s murderer has never been caught. Note: Fast forward to about 3:40.

Is Washington Parish Ready for the Truth? Investigating The Murder Of Donna Arceneaux. Episode 6

Freeze Frame is a documentary-style series exposing a tangled web of betrayal, blackmail, and murder buried for years in a small town where nothing is as it seems - a murder investigation of 40-year-old single mom Donna Arceneaux. In this episode, All Hell Broke Loose! As Tucker's investigation goes public, he approaches several key players for their take on Donna's case before his anonymity is erased.

See the introduction and related links here.

Listen to Episode 1 here.

Listen to Episode 2 here.

Listen to Episode 3 here

Listen to Episode 4 here

Listen to Episode 5 here

Is Washington Parish Ready for the Truth? Investigating The Murder Of Donna Arceneaux. Episode 5

Freeze Frame is a documentary-style series exposing a tangled web of betrayal, blackmail, and murder buried for years in a small town where nothing is as it seems - a murder investigation of 40-year-old single mom Donna Arceneaux. In this episode, Donna's brother TJ takes Tucker door-knocking to track down evidence Donna told him about years earlier, and they get a massive lead. After failed attempts to reach Captain Anderson, Tucker's meeting with Sheriff Randy Seal takes an interesting turn.

See the introduction and related links here.

Listen to Episode 1 here.

Listen to Episode 2 here.

Listen to Episode 3 here

Listen to Episode 4 here

Is Washington Parish Ready for the Truth? Investigating The Murder Of Donna Arceneaux. Episode 4

New details emerge—Donna had compromising information on people in town, and her life was full of dark secrets. Was this why she was killed? Hear how those closest to her may be hiding more than we thought.

See the introduction and related links here.

Listen to Episode 1 here.

Listen to Episode 2 here.

Listen to Episode 3 here

Candlelight Vigil for Donna Arceneaux

Freeze Frame Podcast has announced a Candlelight Vigil for Donna Arceneaux in Franklinton. 

“Join us tonight, Saturday, October 19th, 2024, from 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM, as we gather to honor Donna’s memory. At 8:30 PM, we will walk together from 418 Main St, past the spot where the last known photograph of Donna was taken, and continue to the fairground’s midway. Let’s stand united for justice and remembrance.

We’ll be standing by the sign Tucker’s team put up. Anyone who wants to join the walk, light a candle (or your phone flashlight) is welcome. Jeff Jenkins will provide about 100 LED candles, first come, first serve, but feel free to bring your own.”

If you are not familiar with issues surrounding the murder of Donna Arceneaux, click here for links to what you need to know

Is Washington Parish Ready for the Truth? Investigating The Murder Of Donna Arceneaux. Episode 3

Donna had a history of regular visits to the local hospital - those records uncover a completely new theory in her death. While trying to make contact with Clay, Tucker finally reaches Donna's spiritual counselor, and she doesn't hold back.
 

See the introduction and related links here.

Listen to Episode 1 here.

Listen to Episode 2 here.

Introducing FREEZE FRAME: The Murder of Donna Arceneaux

Former reality TV executive and Washington Parish native Tucker Simmons returns to his South Louisiana hometown to dig into long-standing rumors of corruption, intimidation, and drug trafficking. Not only are politicians and religious leaders implicated—his own family is rumored to be involved. But when a tip uncovers the truth about the 2017 death of Donna Smith Arceneaux, everything changes. Freeze Frame is a documentary-style series exposing a tangled web of betrayal, blackmail, and murder buried for years in a small town where nothing is as it seems.

Go to https://www.freezeframepodcast.com/ for all available episodes and  click here for the Facebook page.

Click here for the initial story of her death and Click here for her obituary.

Is Washington Parish Ready for the Truth? Investigating The Murder Of Donna Arceneaux. Episode 2

I’ve spent years investigating a lifetime of disturbing allegations in my hometown, and now I’m inviting you to join me as this chillingly personal story unfolds into a murder investigation of 40-year-old single mom Donna Arceneaux. Join me as each episode unfolds, just as my investigation did in real time. – Tucker Simmons, Host

Donna was a mother, a sister, a daughter. Her upbringing was anything but ordinary and those experiences influenced every decision she made. But does any of that matter, and is it relevant to her murder?

Is Washington Parish Ready for the Truth? Investigating The Murder Of Donna Arceneaux

I’ve spent years investigating a lifetime of disturbing allegations in my hometown, and now I’m inviting you to join me as this chillingly personal story unfolds into a murder investigation of 40-year-old single mom Donna Arceneaux. Join me as each episode unfolds, just as my investigation did in real time. – Tucker Simmons, Host