The Ghosts of The DeRidder Gothic Jail

The Haunted DeRidder Gothic Jail

Are you brave enough to explore the chilling corridors of the DeRidder Gothic Jail? Nestled in the heart of DeRidder, Louisiana, this historic landmark is not only a stunning example of Gothic architecture but is also rumored to be haunted by the spirits of past inmates. We decided to spend some time here in search of the restless souls, unexplained whispers in the night, and eerie sightings for which the jail is known.

Many who have dared to step inside the DeRidder Gothic Jail have reported eerie occurrences that defy explanation. Shadowy figures darting across empty hallways, whispers echoing from abandoned cells, and chilling cold spots are just a few of the paranormal phenomena that have left visitors with goosebumps and a racing heartbeat.

As was customary of the time, the jailer and is family would typically live in the jail. Imagine being a child growing up in a jail! They lived on the first floor along side inmate intake and temporary holding cells for inmates not meant for long stays. It was not uncommon for the jailer’s wife to cook for her family and also the inmates. There is a kitchen that had a dumbwaiter installed to deliver food to the 2nd and 3rd floors.

One of the men’s cells

Women’s cell

Inmates of Deridder Gothic Jail

As you wander the eerie hallways and dimly lit cells, you'll encounter tales of notorious inmates who spent time here. Some were hardened criminals, while others were wrongfully accused, each leaving behind a whisper of their presence in the air. The ghost stories that circulate in the local community are rich and varied, often detailing apparitions experienced by curious visitors. The jail held both men and women on its two upper floors.

Inmates during the jail's operational years were not just faces behind bars; they were individuals with stories, dreams, and tragedies. The spirits that linger in Deridder demand our attention, reminding us of the human aspect of incarceration, which can often be lost in historical narratives.

The jail originally housed prisoners from the surrounding Beauregard Parish. Over the years, it has become a focal point for ghost tours, paranormal investigations, and dark tourism experiences. Many claim that the spirits of former inmates still roam the halls, a testament to the sorrow and strife that once filled its cells. Stories of eerie sounds, shadows moving in the corners, and the sensation of being watched have contributed to its reputation as a hotspot for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers.

Infamous Inmates of the Deridder Gothic Jail

One of the two most notorious figures associated with the jail were Joe Genna and Molton Brasseaux. On one hot day in August 1926, Joe Genna and Molton Brasseaux hired local cabbie Joe Brevelle with the intention of robbing him. Brevelle was beaten, his throat slashed, and then he was unceremoniously dumped in the old Pickering Mill pond in Vernon Parish. Genna and Brasseaus stole a mere $14 and his car. Brevelle’s body was discovered by some boys fishing in the pond. The two murderers were arrested thanks to Brevelle’s cab records. They faced the hangman’s noose on March 9, 1928.

A view from underneath the hangman’s noose.

A noose still hangs in the jail.

The jail features a tunnel that allowed inmates to be transported to the courthouse with minimal risk of escape.

Me hanging out in the tunnel.

With its imposing architecture and spine-tingling stories, Deridder Gothic Jail continues to attract paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs alike. As you explore the corridors that once housed some of Louisiana's most infamous inmates, keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready—because in a place this steeped in history, you never know who—or what—you might encounter!

For a truly immersive experience, take a ghost tour that leads you through the heart of the jail. Guides will share chilling anecdotes and explore the context of each spirit’s story, giving you a deeper understanding of the lives led by the inmates. Bring your voice recorders and cameras, as many have reported capturing strange noises and shadows that hint at the phenomena present in this historic structure.

Join a paranormal group for an overnight stay, where you can put your ghost-hunting skills to the test. Whether you're a firm believer in the supernatural or a skeptical explorer seeking to understand the darker side of history, Deridder Gothic Jail offers a uniquely thrilling experience that intertwines the past with the present.

Prepare yourself for an adventure that goes beyond the physical and into the realm of the ethereal as you connect with the lost stories of those who once called this Gothic jail home.

Make this beautiful day count!

Annette