Dead Lover, Disgraced Mayor: The Fatal Custody War That Ended in Murder.
Misty Roberts, the former mayor of a small Louisiana town already mired in scandal, now finds her name tied to an even darker chapter. Her ex-husband’s years-long legal battle to shield their children from her allegedly abusive boyfriend ended in tragedy when that same man was found brutally murdered. The case has reignited scrutiny of Roberts’ personal life, her time in office, and the deadly consequences of ignored warnings.
The saga began years earlier when Roberts, then mayor of the town of Rayville in Richland Parish, faced mounting controversies. She had been accused of misusing public funds, engaging in questionable land deals, and creating a toxic work environment at city hall. Those allegations led to her resignation in late 2024 amid an ongoing state investigation. But while the public focused on her political downfall, a private war was raging over the safety of her two young children.
Court records obtained by multiple Louisiana news outlets reveal that Roberts’ ex-husband, identified in filings as Jason Carter, repeatedly petitioned family court for sole custody or supervised visitation. In sworn affidavits dating back to 2022, Carter alleged that Roberts’ live-in boyfriend, 42-year-old Travis Wayne Dupree, was physically and emotionally abusive toward the children. Carter claimed Dupree had slapped the older child across the face, screamed profanities at both kids, and threatened to “whoop their asses” if they did not obey. He submitted photos of bruises, text messages from the children expressing fear, and reports from school counselors who noted behavioral changes consistent with trauma.
Roberts denied the allegations in court filings, calling them “exaggerated” and “motivated by spite.” She argued that Dupree was a loving partner who occasionally raised his voice but never crossed into abuse. Family court judges granted Carter temporary emergency custody on two occasions, citing “immediate risk of harm,” but later returned the children to Roberts after she agreed to parenting classes and anger-management counseling for Dupree. The case remained contentious, with both sides accusing the other of manipulation and false reporting.
On February 28, 2026, the custody dispute turned deadly. Travis Dupree was discovered dead in a remote wooded area outside Rayville. His body showed signs of blunt-force trauma to the head and multiple stab wounds to the torso. Louisiana State Police classified the death as a homicide and launched a full investigation. Early autopsy results indicate he had been dead for approximately 36–48 hours before discovery. No suspects have been named publicly, but investigators are reportedly examining recent conflicts involving Dupree, including the ongoing custody battle.
Carter immediately cooperated with authorities, turning over years of court documents, text messages, and recorded conversations he had with Roberts about Dupree’s behavior. In one 2023 audio clip obtained by investigators, Roberts can be heard dismissing Carter’s concerns, saying, “Travis would never hurt the kids—he’s just strict.” Carter told detectives he had warned Roberts multiple times that Dupree’s temper could escalate to violence, not only against the children but potentially against anyone who challenged him.
Friends and neighbors offered conflicting portraits of Dupree. Some described him as charming and hardworking—a mechanic who helped fix cars for single mothers in the community. Others whispered about his quick temper, heavy drinking, and history of domestic disputes with previous partners. A former girlfriend filed a protective order against him in 2019, alleging he had choked her during an argument; the order was later dismissed when she failed to appear at a hearing.
The murder has reopened wounds in Rayville, a town of roughly 3,500 people already reeling from Roberts’ political scandals. Residents who once supported her progressive platform now speak in hushed tones about the chaos surrounding her personal life. “She was supposed to be our leader,” one longtime resident told local reporters. “Now her kids are caught in the middle of a murder investigation. It’s heartbreaking.”
Louisiana State Police have remained tight-lipped about potential suspects or motives. They have interviewed Carter multiple times and are reviewing phone records, social-media activity, and surveillance footage from the area where Dupree’s body was found. Investigators have also questioned Roberts, though she has not been named a suspect. Her attorney issued a brief statement: “Ms. Roberts is cooperating fully and grieving the loss of someone she cared about. She asks for privacy during this difficult time.”
The children, now living primarily with Carter under a temporary custody order issued after the murder, have been removed from the public eye. A guardian ad litem has been appointed to represent their interests, and both parents have been ordered to refrain from discussing the case in their presence.
The case has reignited debate about how family courts handle allegations of abuse, especially when they involve prominent community figures. Advocates for domestic-violence survivors argue that Roberts’ position as mayor may have influenced earlier decisions to return the children to her care despite documented concerns. Others caution against rushing to judgment, noting that Carter’s allegations were never fully adjudicated and that Dupree had no prior felony convictions.
As the investigation continues, Rayville waits for answers. A disgraced mayor, a murdered man, and two traumatized children stand at the center of a tragedy that has exposed the dark intersection of power, personal relationships, and parental responsibility. Whether the killing was the result of a custody dispute gone fatally wrong, a personal vendetta, or something entirely unrelated, the small Louisiana town will be haunted by the fallout for years to come.