“Four Tourists Vanished in Louisiana — 4 Years Later, This Is Found Buried in Soil…”
In March of 2014, four friends from Dallas, Texas, embarked on what was meant to be a simple weekend camping trip to the picturesque Casachie National Forest in central Louisiana. Colin Hayes, a 29-year-old construction supervisor, was joined by his childhood friend Derek Pullman, 31, an equipment operator; Justin Lamb, 27, a freelance photographer; and Andrew Finch, 33, a mechanic. The group was comprised of seasoned outdoorsmen, accustomed to the wild, and they anticipated nothing more than adventure and camaraderie in the heart of nature.
The friends left Dallas early on March 14, driving two vehicles—a silver Chevrolet Tahoe registered to Colin and a dark blue Dodge Ram pickup truck owned by Andrew. Their plan was straightforward: camp near the Saline Bayou, fish in the nearby streams, and hike through less-traveled sections of the forest. They assured their families they would return by Monday evening, March 17, giving them three full days to enjoy the wilderness. However, as the sun set on Monday and the men failed to return, concern began to mount.
On March 18, Colin Hayes’s supervisor reported him missing after he failed to show up for work. His wife, Amanda, quickly discovered that none of the friends had returned or communicated since Saturday afternoon. Alarmed, the families gathered and reported the men missing to the Dallas Police Department, which promptly contacted the Nacogdoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, responsible for the area where the men had planned to camp.
The search began in earnest on March 19, involving sheriff’s deputies, forest rangers, and volunteer search teams. The area was vast, encompassing dense forests, steep terrain, and numerous river crossings. The Saline Bayou region is known for its challenging navigation, with few marked trails and a thick forest canopy that obscured sunlight even during the day.
Search dogs were deployed, and they picked up scent trails leading away from the vehicles parked near the Saline Bayou entrance, but the trails quickly faded due to rain that had fallen in the days prior. Despite extensive efforts, including ground searches and aerial scans, no trace of the four men was found. Their vehicles were located locked and undisturbed, raising more questions than answers.
As the days turned into weeks, the search continued, but hope began to dwindle. Investigators followed up on numerous tips, but none led to any credible information. The families of the missing men organized their own search parties, distributing flyers and appealing to the public for help. Yet, as time passed, the case grew cold, and the community was left to grapple with the haunting mystery of the four friends who had seemingly vanished without a trace.
Then, in April 2018, over four years after their disappearance, a shocking discovery was made in the same forest where the men had last been seen. During a routine habitat restoration project, a crew from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries unearthed a human skull buried beneath the soil. The discovery sent shockwaves through the local community and reignited interest in the long-dormant case.
The skull was found approximately 18 inches below the surface, partially concealed by roots and debris. It bore a rusted metal arrowhead embedded in the bone, indicating a violent end. Forensic analysis confirmed that the arrow had penetrated the skull while the victim was alive, raising immediate questions about the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding their death.
Investigators quickly connected the discovery to the case of the missing tourists. The skull was identified as belonging to Andrew Finch, the mechanic who had disappeared alongside his friends. The confirmation sent ripples of grief and horror through the families, who had endured years of uncertainty and heartache.
With this new evidence, the investigation was reopened as a homicide case, and a renewed search was launched in the area surrounding the burial site. The Nacogdoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, along with state and federal agencies, coordinated efforts to uncover any additional remains or evidence that could shed light on the fates of Colin, Derek, and Justin.
As detectives scoured the forest, they uncovered more disturbing details. Among the debris near the burial site were personal items belonging to the other three men, including a wallet, a fishing rod, and clothing. The presence of these items suggested that they too had met a tragic end, but where were their remains?
The investigation led authorities to Raymond Ducet, a reclusive man living on the outskirts of the forest. Ducet had a history of hunting violations and was known for his territorial behavior. Witnesses reported encounters with him in the woods, where he had threatened individuals who ventured too close to his property. His name surfaced as a person of interest, and detectives sought to learn more about his activities during the time of the disappearances.
On May 12, 2018, Ducet was apprehended after a tip-off led authorities to his remote cabin. Inside, investigators discovered evidence linking him to the crime, including a collection of handmade arrows and personal belongings of the missing men. Ducet was charged with the murder of Andrew Finch, and the investigation continued to uncover the fates of the other three tourists.
As the trial of Raymond Ducet approached, the community held its breath, desperate for answers. The prosecution presented a compelling case, detailing the evidence that connected Ducet to the murders. The journal entries found in his cabin revealed a disturbed mind, one that viewed the forest as his domain and intruders as threats to be eliminated.
The trial began in early 2019, drawing significant media attention. Family members of the victims filled the courtroom, their hearts heavy with grief and hope. The prosecution laid out a timeline of events, emphasizing the brutality of Andrew Finch’s death and the circumstantial evidence that pointed to Ducet as the perpetrator of a heinous crime.
As the trial unfolded, the families listened intently, their emotions fluctuating between anger, sorrow, and a desperate need for closure. They had waited years for this moment, and the weight of their loved ones’ absence hung heavily in the air.
Ducet’s defense team attempted to paint a different picture, arguing that the confrontation had been a tragic misunderstanding and that Ducet had acted in self-defense. They pointed to the lack of remains for Colin, Derek, and Justin, suggesting that without bodies, the prosecution could not definitively prove that they were dead.
However, the evidence was overwhelming. The personal belongings found in Ducet’s possession, combined with the forensic analysis of Andrew Finch’s skull, painted a grim picture. The prosecution argued that Ducet had killed all four men, burying Andrew’s remains while disposing of the others in a manner designed to conceal his crimes.
The jury deliberated for several days, weighing the evidence presented before them. On February 8, 2019, they returned with a verdict: guilty on all counts. The courtroom erupted with emotion as the families embraced, tears streaming down their faces. Justice had been served, but the pain of loss would linger forever.
At the sentencing hearing, the judge delivered a powerful statement, emphasizing the brutality of Ducet’s actions and the profound impact on the families of the victims. He was sentenced to multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole, ensuring that he would never again walk free.
In the wake of the trial, the families of Colin, Derek, and Justin worked to honor their memories. They established a foundation dedicated to outdoor safety and awareness, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Their story became a rallying cry for those who love the outdoors, a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparation.
As the years passed, the memory of the four friends remained etched in the hearts of their loved ones and the community. The Casachie National Forest, once a place of adventure and camaraderie, became a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the darkness that can lurk within even the most beautiful landscapes.
The case of the four tourists who vanished in Louisiana serves as a haunting testament to the unpredictability of the wilderness and the human experience. It reminds us that while nature can be a place of solace and beauty, it can also conceal the most terrifying secrets. The search for answers may have ended, but the legacy of Colin Hayes, Derek Pullman, Justin Lamb, and Andrew Finch will live on, a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the love that endures.
