(WBRZ News 2) A missing persons case has turned into a murder investigation with the arrest of one person in Livingston Parish Tuesday.
Kayla Ann Denham was killed, deputies said, and her body was left in a building at 30709 Dunn Road.
Denham, a massage therapist, was scheduled to meet a client at that address recently. Friends and family reported her missing after she never returned or answered her cell phone. Her car was later found near the address.
Christopher Landry is charged in connection with the case.
A spokesperson for Denham's family released the following statement to WBRZ: "We are in shock about the loss of our beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin and friend. Kayla was a wonderful young woman who always shared a beautiful smile on her face and love in her heart. She will be greatly missed, and we ask for privacy during this very difficult period of mourning for the family."
Sheriff Jason Ard said, "As you can imagine, this is an ongoing investigation. There are still a lot of questions that we need to answer. We are working with the LSP Crime Lab and the Livingston Parish Coronerâs Office to learn as much as possible as we continue to piece this case together."
The state licensing board says there is no record of anyone named Kayla Ann Denham with a license for massage therapy. Louisiana law requires message therapists to have a license.
Photo: Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office