Residents want to shut down bar where employee was murdered

TENSAS, LA (NBC33) — A homicide investigation has ignited action from a community in Tensas Parish. Residents have begun a petition to close the business where a bartender was found murdered over the weekend.

The Louisiana State Police and Tensas Parish Sheriff’s Office began investigating over the weekend on Saturday, March 3. That’s when Colby Joe Fortenberry, 22, of Winnsboro, La was found murdered at the “Hwy 4 Bar” in Newellton where he worked as a bartender.

"I just don't understand why this had to happen to somebody like him because he rather help somebody than hurt somebody,” Shawn Fortenberry, father of the victim, told KTVE News. “He rather hurt himself than hurt somebody else.."

According to KTVE, NBC in Monroe, Fortenberry had only worked at the bar for less than a week.

Family members and friends have began collecting signatures on a petition to try and shut the bar down for good. So far, it’s seeing support from the community. People in the area say this isn’t the first time the establishment has witnessed trouble. Another homicide happened at the same place roughly two years ago.

"That place out there is nothing but trouble,” the victim’s father continued to say. “It just ain't nothing good to be said about that place and they should dig a big hole and no other foundation can be laid there..."

A candlelight vigil will be held on Wednesday, March 7 at Citizens Park in Winnsboro. It will begin at 7:00 p.m.

The investigation is ongoing. At the time no motive or suspect has been determined.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact the Tensas Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 766-3961.