St. Martinville Grieves After Body of Missing 16-Year-Old Iris Davis Found — Police Launch Homicide Investigation
ST. MARTINVILLE, LA — A wave of shock and sorrow has swept through St. Martinville following the heartbreaking confirmation that 16-year-old Iris Davis, who was reported missing just days ago, has been found dead. The grim discovery was made earlier today in a field near her home, marking a tragic end to a search that gripped the local community with hope and fear.
Police Chief Ricky Martin confirmed the devastating news in a somber statement, announcing that the case is now being treated as a homicide.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” Chief Martin stated. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Iris’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
A Search That Ended in Heartbreak
Iris Davis was reported missing on July 17, 2025, sparking an immediate search effort by the St. Martinville Police Department, family members, friends, and concerned residents. Flyers bearing her picture were shared widely on social media, and local volunteers canvassed neighborhoods and wooded areas, desperate for any sign of the missing teen.
Hopes that Iris would return home safely were shattered when officers located her body in a field near her residence earlier today. Details surrounding her death remain undisclosed, but the confirmation that her case is now a homicide investigation has sent waves of grief and alarm through the tight-knit community.
A Community United in Mourning
The death of Iris Davis, a young girl with her entire life ahead of her, has left friends, classmates, and neighbors devastated. Known for her sweet nature, bright smile, and kind heart, Iris was a cherished member of the community and a beloved daughter, sister, and friend.
One family friend shared,
“Iris was the kind of girl who brought light into every room. She didn’t deserve this. None of us can understand why something like this would happen.”
Vigils are being organized in her memory, with community members gathering to mourn, pray, and support the Davis family during this unimaginable loss. Churches in the area have opened their doors for counseling and reflection, offering a space for a community struggling to make sense of the tragedy.
Investigation Intensifies — Police Seek Public’s Help
With the case now classified as a homicide, the St. Martinville Police Department has launched a full-scale investigation. Detectives are actively pursuing leads, conducting interviews, and collecting evidence in an effort to determine who is responsible for Iris’s death.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Iris Davis in the days leading up to her disappearance, or who may have information relevant to the case, to come forward. Even seemingly minor details could prove critical in helping solve this heartbreaking crime.
The St. Martinville Police Department encourages the public to contact their office directly with any information.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through local Crime Stoppers programs.
The Search for Justice Begins
As the investigation unfolds, the pain of Iris’s loss reverberates throughout St. Martinville, a town now united in grief and determined to see justice served. The tragedy has also sparked conversations about community safety and the need for vigilance in protecting the most vulnerable.
Local leaders and advocates have called for solidarity and support for the Davis family, emphasizing that the community must stand together in both mourning and the pursuit of justice.
Remembering Iris Davis
Though her life was tragically cut short, Iris Davis’s spirit will not be forgotten. Her memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew her — in the laughter she shared, the friendships she cherished, and the dreams she held for the future.
We extend our deepest condolences to Iris’s family, friends, and all those affected by this senseless loss. May her family find strength in the love and support of their community as they endure this profound grief.
Call to Action — Help Bring Justice for Iris
If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the St. Martinville Police Department or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers. Your voice could make the difference in bringing answers — and justice — to a family in mourning.
Rest in peace, Iris. Your light will never be forgotten.