Second Man Sentenced in Brutal Killing of Slidell Woman

A second man has now been sentenced in connection with the killing of a Slidell woman whose death shocked both sides of Lake Pontchartrain.

According to court records, 38 year old Cody Matthews was handed a 40 year prison sentence by Judge Robin Pittman in Orleans Parish. Under the ruling, he will be required to serve at least 30 years before becoming eligible for release. His sentencing follows a similar outcome for codefendant Dylan Craddock, who received the same length sentence just weeks earlier.

The case stems from the 2020 killing of 26 year old Brook “Bee” Buchler, a Slidell woman remembered by those who knew her as a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, as well as a familiar face in the local restaurant community. Her body was later found inside an abandoned structure at the former Navy base in New Orleans’ Bywater area. Investigators determined she had been shot in the back of the head.

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Emergency radio traffic reportedly indicates a possible shooting involving multiple victims behind Northshore Square Mall in Slidell.

In the days leading up to her death, Buchler had reported to police that she had been sexually assaulted by someone she knew. Authorities believe that report played a major role in what happened next.

Police say Matthews and Craddock attacked the man she accused, leaving him severely injured and dumping him in a remote part of St. Tammany Parish. Investigators later concluded the two men saw Buchler as a risk to them and made the decision to silence her.

Buchler was reported missing shortly before her remains were located in the abandoned site.

During the investigation, Matthews admitted in a recorded jail call that he was present during the killing and knew where the weapon could be found. However, he reportedly refused to cooperate unless he was granted immunity.

Both men initially faced first degree murder charges. Matthews later accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to manslaughter along with conspiracy and obstruction-related charges.

The sentences tied to those charges were ordered to run at the same time, resulting in the 40 year total.

The case has drawn continued attention due to the circumstances surrounding Buchler’s death and the events leading up to it, particularly her earlier report to police.