Louisiana Man Arrested in Wife's Death More Than 2 Years Later

BATON ROUGE, La. - According to Baton Rouge police, Joseph Solar was arrested on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 in connection to a shocking discovery made by authorities in 2024 when they reportedly found Solar's wife's body decomposing on the livingroom floor of the couple's home.

Why has it taken so long for Solar to be arrested in this case and what is he being charged with?

Here's what we know...

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Woman's Body Found Inside Baton Rouge Home in 2024

The case involving Bridget Boutwell has remained quiet for over 2 years, leaving her family waiting for answers. Now, a new arrest has brought renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding her death.

Boutwell's body was discovered inside a home on North Lark Street in Baton Rouge on May 12, 2024.

According to louisianafirstnews.com, her body was badly decomposed when it was found. Investigators identified her through fingerprint evidence.

Authorities have not publicly answered every question surrounding the circumstances of Boutwell's death, and the charges against Solar remain allegations unless proven in court.

According to family members who spoke with WBRZ, Boutwell's daughter tried to call her mother around Mother's Day but was never able unable to get intouch her. Joseph Solar reportedly contacted Boutwell's daughter about two weeks later and told her that Boutwell had died.

Joseph Solar, III — East Baton Rouge Police Department

Husband Faces Multiple Charges in Wife's Death

Solar was booked on charges of manslaughter, obstruction of justice, and failure to report the commission of certain felonies.

He had also been arrested in October 2025 in connection with a separate issue where he was accused of shooting at a car on I-10

Louisianafirstnews.com reports that while Solar was out on bond, he allegedly contacted Boutwell's family multiple times, and even reportedly asked for some of her remains. Danielle Boutwell said she obtained restraining orders for members of her family.