Lynda Maxine Pierce Palmer, 75, was killed during an armed robbery at the Best Western Plus DeSoto Inn & Suites in Mansfield, Louisiana, on April 12, 2021. She was working the night desk when a man entered, stole cash and shot her; a motel guest was also shot during the incident and an attempted robbery. The attack ended the life of a woman remembered as a mother and grandmother by her family.

Authorities identified and arrested 20-year-old Terry Dewayne Powell of Mansfield as the primary suspect. The case went to trial, and in January 2022 a jury convicted Powell of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, armed robbery and attempted armed robbery. In February 2022 a judge sentenced him to life plus 50 years; family members delivered emotional victim impact statements at sentencing and Powell was removed from the courtroom after making inaudible remarks as the judge prepared to impose the sentence.

Does anyone have memories of Lynda Palmer or information about the night at the motel that could shed further light on what happened?