The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a gunshot-related death, according to Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the WPSO.

Shortly after midnight Tuesday morning, the WPSO received a 911 call concerning a shooting death on Highway 16 south of Franklinton, Haley said.

The deceased woman, Donna Arceneaux, 40, a resident of the Highway 16 address, was found in her bed by two friends who had been unable to contact her and went to her residence to check on her. It was then that they discovered her on a bed with a gunshot wound to the chest, Haley said.

Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives were on the scene Tuesday morning, investigating what, at this time, is being treated as an unclassified shooting death. The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab has been on site processing the scene for evidence. An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow morning. The investigation continues, Haley said.

“It is always tragic when any person loses their life in such a manner,” Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “Our detectives will continue to investigate this shooting death until the matter is resolved. Meanwhile, I ask you to join with me in prayer for the victim’s family and friends.”