Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington says a Bossier City man has been arrested for the alleged mid-March murder of 31-year-old Caleb Pippenger of Benton.

Justin C. Sepulvado, 29, of the 1300 block of Lampkin St., was taken into custody Monday afternoon by S.W.A.T. members with the Bossier Sheriff’s Office who were executing a search warrant of his residence and suspicion of his involvement in the homicide.

Police say Sepulvado also had arrest warrants and was possibly armed and dangerous, so the detectives and the S.W.A.T. team wanted to be extra cautious.  Additionally, his residence was within 1,000 feet of nearby Meadowview Elementary School, and Sepulvado was a convicted sex offender.

The S.W.A.T. team proceeded to the residence around 4:45 p.m., and the specialized team of deputies had Sepulvado in custody within 30 minutes of their arrival.

Sepulvado was charged with various drug charges and the outstanding warrant charges, and he was interrogated by detectives with regards to the homicide investigation.  After lengthy interviews with him and others, along with other evidence, Bossier Sheriff’s detectives charged Sepulvado with first degree murder.

Also during the search of the residence, Bossier detectives allegedly found suspected methamphetamine and marijuana; grinders, baggies, and a smoking pipe; a stolen moped valued at $2,000; he was additionally charged with:
  • Illegal Possession of Stolen Things
  • Possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine)
  • Possession of Schedule I (Marijuana)
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Unlawful Presence of a Sex Offender
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Warrant with Caddo Sheriff’s Office)
  • Attempted Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Warrant with Probation & Parole)
Bossier detectives also arrested two others who resided at the residence.

They were all taken to the Bossier Maximum Security Facility for booking just before midnight.  Sepulvado’s bond is currently set at $525,000; St. Martin’s bond is $6,500; and Meshell’s bond is set at $7,000.

Bossier Sheriff’s Office detectives are continuing their investigation.

Editor's note: Any person arrested or charged with a crime is presumed innocent if and until they are convicted in a court of law.