Gary Plauche was a father who made headlines after he shot and killed his son’s kidnapper and abuser, Jeff Doucet, at the Baton Rouge airport in 1984. The incident was caught on camera by a local news crew and the footage went viral. The question that lingers is whether he was justified in his actions or not.
The video of Gary Plauche shooting Jeff Doucet has been widely circulated on the internet and has sparked debates about vigilantism and the limits of self-defense. Some argue that Plauche was a hero who took matters into his own hands to protect his son from further harm, while others argue that he should have let the justice system take its course. Plauche was charged with second-degree murder but was eventually sentenced to only five years of probation and 300 hours of community service.
The Incident
On March 16, 1984, Gary Plauché, a father from Louisiana, killed Jeff Doucet, his son’s kidnapper, at the Baton Rouge airport. The incident was captured on camera by a local news crew and the footage went viral.
The Kidnapping
The kidnapping happened on February 11, 1984, when Doucet, who was Jody Plauché’s karate instructor, took the 11-year-old boy from his school in Baton Rouge and drove him to California. Doucet sexually abused Jody during the trip, and the boy was eventually rescued by the FBI.
The Confrontation
After Doucet was released on bail, Gary Plauché decided to take matters into his own hands. He waited for Doucet at the airport and confronted him when he arrived. According to witnesses, Gary grabbed Doucet and said, “You hurt my boy.”
The Shooting
Gary Plauché then pulled out a gun and shot Doucet in the head. The entire incident was captured on camera by a local news crew. Gary was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. However, he was eventually given a suspended sentence and did not serve any jail time.
In conclusion, Gary Plauché’s actions were controversial, and the incident sparked a debate about vigilantism and the limits of self-defense.
Aftermath
Trial and Sentencing
Gary Plauche was charged with second-degree murder for the shooting of Jeff Doucet, his son’s kidnapper and abuser, at the Baton Rouge airport on March 16, 1984. Plauche pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to seven years in prison, with five years suspended and two years to serve. He was also given three years of probation.
Public Reaction
The shooting of Jeff Doucet by Gary Plauche was widely covered by the media, and it sparked a national debate about vigilante justice. Some people saw Plauche as a hero who had taken justice into his own hands, while others saw him as a criminal who had committed murder. The case also raised questions about the legal system and whether it was capable of protecting children from sexual abuse.
Gary Plauche’s Later Life
After serving his sentence, Gary Plauche returned to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he lived a quiet life. He suffered a stroke in 2004, which left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak clearly. In 2014, Plauche passed away at the age of 68.
Overall, the shooting of Jeff Doucet by Gary Plauche remains a controversial and divisive topic. Some people see it as an act of justice, while others see it as a crime. Regardless of one’s opinion, the case highlights the emotional and legal complexities of child sexual abuse and the lengths that some parents may go to protect their children.