An Indiana man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting a woman who had ended their relationship and later attempting to take his own life. Steeve Chavannes, 47, is accused of fatally shooting Evelie LaCroix inside her Plainfield home on June 28.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, Chavannes was hospitalized after a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. When he regained consciousness, police say he admitted to the crime, reportedly telling officers, “I shot my wife,” and later adding, “because she was disrespecting me.”
The fatal incident unfolded after Chavannes allegedly persuaded a friend to drive him to LaCroix’s home under the pretense of retrieving his belongings. LaCroix, whose exact age has not been disclosed, had previously obtained a protective order against Chavannes due to a history of domestic violence, including a prior incident in which he reportedly stabbed her with a screwdriver.
Upon arriving at LaCroix’s home, Chavannes and his friend were met by her daughter, who told them that LaCroix was at work. In truth, she was inside the home, sleeping before her shift. As the friend drove Chavannes away from the residence, Chavannes asked to be let out, saying he wanted to walk back. Concerned, the friend called his girlfriend, who urged him to return to the apartment, suspecting Chavannes might cause trouble.
Before heading back, the friend checked his car’s trunk and discovered that his handgun was missing. He told police that Chavannes had access to the trunk and must have taken the weapon during the brief encounter with LaCroix’s daughter.
Moments later, LaCroix’s daughter reported hearing a “pop and then glass breaking,” followed by her mother screaming. After a second and third pop, the screams ceased. When she went to investigate, she found the bedroom door blocked. Peering through, she saw Chavannes and blood on the floor. Neither he nor her mother was moving.
When police arrived, LaCroix was found dead from gunshot wounds in her bedroom. Blood was present throughout the living room and kitchen, and broken glass from the patio door was scattered nearby. Chavannes, still conscious, was found near the front door. The stolen handgun was recovered near LaCroix’s body.
Police later interviewed Chavannes at the hospital. After being read his Miranda rights, he confessed to shooting LaCroix and said his intention was “to take her life.” Chavannes remains hospitalized under police custody. He has been formally charged with murder, burglary, and domestic battery in violation of a protective order. Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the case.