LIVINGSTON, Texas. A 36-year-old man has been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into the suspicious death of a woman in May, and the Polk County Sheriff's Office is asking additional victims and witnesses to come forward.
According to the sheriff's office, the investigation began on May 23 after the suspicious death of Kelly Taylor Mariah Little, who left behind three children.
During the investigation, detectives interviewed multiple witnesses and collected evidence that led them to focus on the activities of Cody Allen Laviolette.
On the evening of July 10, investigators arrested Laviolette, charging him with aggravated assault, a second-degree felony, and unlawful restraint, a third-degree felony.
Authorities also arrested Patty Laviolette, Cody Laviolette's mother, on a charge of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, a state jail felony.
As the investigation has continued, detectives said several women have contacted the sheriff's office to report interactions with Cody Laviolette.
Investigators also believe additional individuals may have information about alleged criminal activity but have been reluctant to come forward because they believed statements allegedly made by Laviolette that he was protected by his family's influence in the Onalaska area.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is encouraging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Cody Laviolette or who witnessed possible criminal activity involving him to contact investigators.
Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators Craig Finegan or Kayla Hemperly at the Polk County Sheriff's Office by calling 936-327-6810.
The investigation remains ongoing.
