A disturbing incident in Melville has led to the arrest of 47-year-old Sonya Vallere, who has been charged with aggravated assault for allegedly attacking an unhoused man with a baseball bat. Vallere was booked on Thursday after Melville Police conducted a welfare check on her property on Peyton Street. The investigation began after reports of neglect and abuse surfaced, and officers arrived at the location to find a man with visible injuries on his legs and wrists, according to an affidavit. Initially, the man was reluctant to disclose what had happened, but upon further questioning, he revealed that Vallere had beaten him with a steel aluminum bat that she kept on the property. He also mentioned that Vallere had multiple bats stored on her property. Police later obtained a search warrant and retrieved a black steel bat as evidence.
The man, who was taken to the hospital for treatment, provided a detailed account of the incident. He explained that the altercation began over a pot he had forgotten to wash. Vallere, who was apparently angered by this oversight, instructed him to wash it. When he refused, she allegedly retrieved the bat and began striking him. The injuries on his wrists were sustained when he raised his arms to protect his face from the blows. A physician at the emergency room confirmed that the man suffered dislocated bones in his wrists and knees, requiring him to be transferred to another hospital for surgery. Vallere was subsequently booked into the St. Landry Parish jail and appeared in court for a magistrate’s hearing on Friday morning. Her attorney, Deuce Domengeaux, was contacted but stated he did not yet have the case file and could not comment on the matter.
This incident raises questions about Vallere’s history and the circumstances surrounding her interactions with vulnerable individuals. A Melville man, whose mother had previously lived at Vallere’s residence, expressed concerns about her behavior. However, when authorities investigated the death of his mother, they found no evidence of wrongdoing. Despite this, Vallere’s past suggests a pattern of alleged violence. Records show that in 2023, she was charged with principal to attempted second-degree murder in Avoyelles Parish, though the charge was later dismissed. Her son, Trevon Allen, faced similar charges of attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault a few weeks later, but those were also dismissed. In November of last year, Vallere was indicted for illegal possession of a firearm, while her son was charged with illegal use of weapons in Avoyelles Parish.
Further examination of Vallere’s history reveals additional legal troubles. In St. Landry Parish, her son, Trevon Allen, has faced multiple charges of aggravated assault with a firearm. In March 2020, he was booked by Melville Police on three counts of the offense, though the charges were dismissed six weeks later. These repeated encounters with the law suggest a troubling dynamic within the family, with allegations of violence recurring over the years. While some charges have been dismissed, the persistence of such incidents raises concerns about the safety and well-being of those around them.
The case also highlights broader issues related to homelessness and vulnerability. The man who was allegedly assaulted by Vallere was unhoused, a circumstance that often leaves individuals in precarious situations with limited resources or support. The fact that he was on Vallere’s property raises questions about the nature of their relationship and whether he was living there temporarily or under some form of arrangement. The incident underscores the need for greater protections for unhoused individuals, who are often at increased risk of exploitation and abuse.
As the case against Vallere moves forward, it will be important to examine the evidence thoroughly and ensure justice is served. The dismissal of previous charges against both Vallere and her son does not necessarily indicate innocence but may reflect limitations in evidence or other legal complexities. For now, the community of Melville is left grappling with the aftermath of this violent incident, and advocates for the unhoused are likely to push for greater awareness and action to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by many and the need for compassion and support in addressing these challenges.
