2011’s first murder occurs in Houma

A quarrel between cousins over an alleged unpaid drug debt has led to the murder of a Houma man.

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Maj. Malcolm Wolfe said deputies arrested a Houma man Friday night in connection with the murder of Quincy Smith, whose body was found in Smithridge earlier that morning.

Smith was reported missing earlier in the week after relatives say he hadn’t been seen since New Year’s Eve.

Upon investigation, Wolfe said deputies learned from several sources that LaShawn Anthony Smith, 31, of 629 Wilson St., Houma, was allegedly the last person seen with Quincy Smith. LaShawn Smith was located and questioned by deputies Friday evening, hours after his cousin’s body was found.

During the investigation, Wolfe said LaShawn Smith allegedly admitted to investigators he had murdered his cousin, luring him into the wooded area before shooting him in the head.

Wolfe said the cause for the argument was allegedly a quarrel over a drug debt that Quincy Smith had allegedly failed to pay to his cousin.

Wolfe said LaShawn Smith fought with deputies when handcuffed, which added one count of resisting an officer to his one count of second-degree murder.

He was transported to the Terrebonne Parish jail, where he awaits a bond hearing.

LaShawn Smith has previously been arrested for several drug-related offenses, second-degree battery and carnal knowledge of a juvenile.

The murder is being classified of the first in 2011 for Terrebonne Parish.