SULPHUR, La. – A recent arrest in a 1970 cold case involving the death of a 16-month-old child has shocked the community in Louisiana. Alice Bunch Idlett, 75, was taken into custody on March 27 and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the tragic loss of her son on January 20, 1970.
The Sulphur Police Department initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Earl D. Bunch III in 2022, following a request from the child’s family. Originally, the injuries sustained by the toddler, Earl Bunch III, were attributed to a fall from a crib. However, subsequent developments led authorities to delve deeper into the case.
During the time of Earl Bunch III’s death, his father was serving overseas during the Vietnam conflict. Despite initial efforts to determine the cause of the child’s injuries, the case was eventually closed due to insufficient evidence.
As further details emerged from documents related to a child custody case involving Alice Bunch and Earl Bunch Jr., unsettling revelations came to light. Allegations of mistreatment and disturbing comments made by Alice in letters to her husband raised suspicions about her involvement in her son’s untimely demise.
Following the exhumation of Earl D. Bunch III’s remains and a forensic autopsy conducted by the FBI, the manner of his death was classified as a homicide. This pivotal revelation led to the arrest of Alice Bunch, who is now being held on a substantial bond at the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center.
The reopening of this heartbreaking cold case serves as a reminder of the long-lasting impact of unresolved tragedies on families and communities. The pursuit of justice, no matter how many years have passed, underscores the dedication of law enforcement authorities to seek closure for those affected by unsolved crimes.