Gary Plauché, The Louisiana Dad Who Took Deadly Revenge On His Son’s Rapist On Live Television
On March 16, 1984, the nation watched in shock as Gary Plauché took justice into his own hands at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. His son, Jody, had just been rescued from the clutches of Jeff Doucet, who had kidnapped and sexually assaulted the young boy. Here’s a closer look at the tragic events that unfolded that day.
Leon Gary Plauché, born on November 10, 1945, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, led a relatively ordinary life until a tragic series of events unfolded in early 1984, forever altering the trajectory of his existence. Plauché served briefly in the U.S. Air Force, achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant, and later worked as a salesman and cameraman for a local news station. However, it was his role as a father that would define him in a way he never imagined.
Jody Plauché, pictured with his abductor and rapist, Jeff Doucet.
The devastating saga began on February 19, 1984, when Plauché's 11-year-old son, Jody, vanished in the company of Jeff Doucet, his karate instructor. Doucet, a trusted figure in the community, had groomed and sexually abused Jody for over a year, betraying the trust of both the Plauché family and their community in Baton Rouge.
Unknown to Jody's mother, June, Doucet whisked the boy away on a bus bound for California, where he intended to conceal his crime and continue his abuse. It was a call from Jody to his parents that ultimately led to Doucet's arrest in Anaheim, California, and the safe return of Jody to Louisiana.
Despite Jody's safe return, Plauché's torment was far from over. Fearing that the judicial system might fail to adequately punish Doucet for his unspeakable acts, Plauché made a fateful decision. On March 16, 1984, as Doucet was being escorted through Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport by law enforcement officers, Plauché, armed with a concealed handgun, awaited his moment.
With news cameras capturing the shocking scene, Plauché approached Doucet and fatally shot him in the head. In the aftermath, as officers questioned his actions, Plauché simply stated, "If somebody did it to your kid, you'd do it too."
The moment Gary Plauché and fatally shot him in the head. Be advised some viewers may find the following video disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.
The incident sparked a national debate over vigilantism and parental justice. Was Plauché a hero driven by love and righteous anger, or a reckless vigilante who took the law into his own hands? Public opinion in Baton Rouge overwhelmingly sided with Plauché, viewing his actions as understandable given the circumstances.
During his trial, Plauché's defense argued that the trauma of Jody's abduction and abuse had pushed him into a state of temporary insanity, driven by a father's primal instinct to protect his child. Despite facing charges of murder, Plauché was spared from serving time in prison. The judge, acknowledging the extraordinary circumstances and the community's support, sentenced him to five years of probation and 300 hours of community service.
Gary Plauché's story continues to resonate as a poignant example of the lengths a parent will go to protect their child. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of justice, compassion, and the enduring power of parental love in the face of unspeakable evil.
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