A Louisiana man who allegedly killed a septuagenarian woman and drove around with her body for nearly a month while using her identity to take out loans went on trial in the Pelican State this week.

Christopher Talton Cater , 43, stands accused of one count each of murder in the first degree, identity theft , and unlawful disposal of human remains, according to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office.

On Aug. 20, 2023, Sheila Ortega, 72, was reported missing by her family members, according to the sheriff's office. Relatives told deputies they had not spoken with her in roughly a month. On the same day the report was filed, investigators visited what they believed to be a relevant residence but had little to show for that search.

Investigators' luck changed substantially the very next day

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