LeBeau Plantation Fire: Seven Suspects Identified Were Under Influence of Drugs and Alcohol
The LeBeau Plantation, a historic plantation located in Arabi, LA. and built in the early 1850's has burned in a fire to its total dismay.
The Lebeau Plantation, a historical structure known for its owners and occurrences was burned down in flames by who officials say are "7 drunk and high arsonists looking for ghosts" in the plantation, "infamous for being the most haunted house in that area". The men, who were 17-31-years of age, were "high off drugs and alcohol and became frustrated when no ghosts materialized." That's when they decided to set fire to the house. Burned down was the land originally known as the "Domino Sugar Refinery", which was through the years a hotel, an illegal gambling casino, a private residence and most recently owned by the Meraux family; owners of the Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation. But the house had not been actually occupied by anyone since the 1980's.
The state, residents and the foundation are all very distraught and angry that the historical landmark has been destroyed in such a harsh manner. President of the "Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation" Rita Gue released a statement right after finding out about the fire saying; "[Our Family] is so saddened by this fire and we are anxious to see the investigation go forward and see what it is all about...it is just a real unfortunate sad day for all of us". This was said to be one of the two last plantations standing in Arabi, Louisiana, once the largest plantation south of New Orleans.
The LeBeau Plantation, about 150 years ago, was "the sight of cruel mistreatment of slaves by the LeBeaus". It is know to history that they would often beat their slaves to death and then order the other slaves to bury their bodies in the fields next to the house. As time went by, the LeBeaus, one by one committed suicide, as the story claims that they all became mentally insane after being haunted by the spirits of their murdered slaves. Two of the family members hung themselves right on the second floor of the mansion, writes Earthfiles. The plantation was still known to be haunted by several spirits as neighbors reported strange occurences of lights flashing on and off in the house, even though there was no electricity connection in the uninhabited home. Could the horrific actions that went on in this house be the cause of its final Karma? Did the spirits possibly urge these 7 men to finally end the pain that was trapped in the legacy of this plantation? Maybe it was just a simple case of drunken arsonist...but isn't it intriguing to think beyond that?