The Bernice Police Department was dispatched to a possible shooting Jan. 30 on Maple Street. Union Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol deputies also responded. Upon arrival, officers and deputies made contact with the occupants of the residence and determined that nobody had been shot but several subjects had been involved in a physical altercation.
Bernice Police requested UPSO investigators pursue the case. The investigation revealed Trudy Kristin Bennett, 45, of Bernice, committed a battery on Esteban Zuniga-Turrubiartes, 67, also of Bernice. Witnesses said Zuniga then produced a handgun and fired it four or five times. Witnesses said that a short time later, Justin Knox, 41, of Bernice, Bennett’s estranged husband, arrived at the residence and dragged her away.
Deputies were told Bennett had been staying at Zuniga’s residence and she had been drinking heavily and consuming narcotics for an entire week. Zuniga told deputies he saw a broken window in his home and saw Knox outside. When Esteban tried to call the police, Bennett began battering Zuniga. Knox said Esteban attempted to choke Bennett and that is when he (Knox) tried to remove Bennett from the residence.
Deputies learned Knox has a bond restriction from a previous arrest barring him from going within 100 yards of Bennett. When asked about the incident, Bennett said everything was “a blur” and was unable to provide deputies with many details.
While processing the scene, deputies located a bag with a crystal-like substance, believed to be methamphetamine and several syringes. These items were located in the bedroom used by Esteban and Bennett.
All three subjects were transported to the Union Parish Detention Center and booked without incident. Esteban Zuniga-Turrubiartes was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm, illegal use of weapons, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $27,500.
Trudy Kristin Bennett was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and simple battery. Bail was at $3,500.
Justin Knox was charged with violation of protective order, criminal trespass, simple criminal damage to property, and domestic abuse battery. His bail amount was not available at publication time.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
