Woolen Lake man charged in woman's death

A Woolen Lake man has been arrested for the suspected murder of his girlfriend.

Richland Parish Sheriff Lee Harrell said deputies arrested Eugene Stickle, 49, of Bass Lane, Columbia on charges of of second degree murder at approximately 5:45 p.m. May 6.

Stickle was arrested at the crime scene located at 28 Bass Lane. 

Harrell said a preliminary investigation reveals Stickle had a physical altercation with his girlfriend, Brandy Branch, 35, also of the Woolen Lake area.  Witnesses reported seeing Stickle physical assaulting Branch, as she attempted to get away from him.

Branch was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Richland Parish Coroner’s Office. Her body has been sent to Little Rock for an autopsy. 

The exact cause of death is pending, Harrell said.

The Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office was assisted in the investigation by the Louisiana State Police.