Peter Batiste allegedly shot and killed Shantelle Williams after she stole his money at the end of a Mardi Gras weekend of purchasing and partying.

According to information developed by the Eunice Police Department Investigation, the pair went on a spending spree with Batiste’s federal income tax refund, buying a number of items, including drugs, and springing for drinks at various establishments during the holiday celebration, including the night before the shooting.

Batiste, 38, apparently killed himself Wednesday afternoon before a force of Eunice, St. Landry Parish and U.S. Marshal Service officers stormed the Lawtell apartment in which he was hiding.

He was wanted for shooting Williams, 33, fatally in the chest on Mardi Gras morning at a house on Fruge Street.

According to Eunice Chief Ronald Dies, detectives developed information that Batiste and Williams were in the house, which had no utility service, the night before. Batiste left, but returned the next morning after discovering he had been robbed, information indicates.

Williams allegedly told him she had not taken his money and he shot her once, the bullet nicking her heart, and fled.

Records indicate that a crack pipe and crack cocaine were found near Williams’ body, though no mention is made of any money found at the scene.

Dies also said Williams had been arrested previously for allegedly threatening men with a knife and robbing them during trysts.

The chief commended Detectives Richard Daigle and A.J. Frank for “around-the-clock” work on the case.

He praised the coordinated effort between his officers, the Sheriff’s Office and the Marshal’s Service, which provide a SWAT unit. “They both helped out a lot in carrying out this action,” the chief said.

Daigle and Frank learned about 10 a.m. Wednesday that Batiste had been at the Lawtell apartment for three days.

The police gathering at the scene began about 1 p.m. Meanwhile, Batiste text-messaged a relative regarding his situation. The content of those messages was not available, but apparently they were enough to persuade law enforcement that Batiste was not willingly coming out, so they began plans to go in.

As they did so, what was described by an officer at the scene as a “muffled” shot was heard.

Officers found Batiste dead of a gunshot wound to the head.

A note apparently written by Batiste was also found, though its contents were not released.

The Sheriff’s Office is handling investigation of the apparent suicide.