Nanette Krentel
Case Information:
Nanette Krentel was 49 years old when she disappeared under horrific circumstances from her home in Lacombe, Louisiana, on July 14, 2017.
The wife of a prominent local fire chief, her death initially appeared to be the result of a tragic house fire.
However, investigators soon discovered a far more sinister reality buried in the ashes. The subsequent discovery of a gunshot wound and signs of arson shifted the focus toward a complex homicide investigation.
Case Details:
First responders discovered Nanette’s body face-up on the master bedroom floor after the blaze was eventually extinguished. Forensic analysis later confirmed she had been shot in the temple and was deceased before the fire was intentionally ignited.
The perpetrator went to great lengths to conceal the crime, dousing the home’s nine surveillance cameras with accelerant. Additionally, the couple’s two cats and a dog were found shot to death within the ruins of the residence.
Timeline of Events:
On the morning of July 14, 2017, Nanette followed her usual routine, visiting a McDonald’s at 9:11 a.m. Her final confirmed contact was a phone call to a Kmart pharmacy at 10:03 a.m. to refill a prescription.
By 1:30 p.m., a neighbor reported a massive fire at the Krentel estate, which quickly engulfed the entire structure. Emergency crews from St. Tammany Fire District 12 arrived to find the home fully involved, marking the end of the narrow window in which the murder occurred.
Investigation:
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has aggressively pursued the case, executing dozens of search warrants and conducting scores of interviews. Despite the intense scrutiny, no arrests have been made, and the case has seen significant friction between various local agencies.
Federal experts from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have assisted with technical analysis of the scene.
The investigation remains focused on recovering digital evidence from damaged recording equipment and identifying potential suspects.
Community Response:
The local community in Lacombe has remained deeply engaged, frequently gathering for vigils and advocating for transparency in the investigation. A significant reward has been established through Crimestoppers GNO to encourage those with information to step forward.
Supporters have also utilized social media platforms like the “Justice for Nanette” Facebook page to keep her story in the public eye. The mystery of her death continues to resonate throughout the parish as residents seek closure for the beloved preschool teacher.
Family Statements:
Nanette’s father, Dan Watson, was a tireless advocate for his daughter, successfully petitioning the St. Tammany Parish Courthouse to preserve critical evidence. He often expressed deep concern that the case might go cold without persistent outside pressure.
Her sister has publicly shared emails detailing Nanette’s fears about a suspicious individual she had seen on her property shortly before the incident. The family maintains that the calculated nature of the crime suggests someone familiar with the home’s layout and security.
Physical Appearance:
Nanette Krentel was a 49-year-old woman described by her peers as a selfless and beautiful soul, both inside and out. She was known for her compassionate nature and her professional dedication to her students as a preschool teacher.
Because of the intensity of the fire, investigators utilized DNA testing and dental records to confirm her identity. She was often accompanied by her small pets, who were unfortunately also victims of the violent attack on her home.
Current Status:
The murder of Nanette Watson Krentel remains an active and open homicide investigation as of April 2026. Authorities continue to solicit tips from the public, hoping that new forensic technology or a witness will finally provide a breakthrough.
Despite years of investigation, the person responsible for the shooting and the subsequent arson has not been identified. Her family continues to seek justice, refusing to let her case be forgotten as the tenth anniversary of her death approaches.
Contact Information:
If you have any information regarding the murder of Nanette Krentel, please contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-898-2338.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crimestoppers GNO at 504-822-1111 or via their official website at www.crimestoppersgno.org.
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