Hammond 18 Year-Old Arrested for Carjacking and Murder of Arkansas Man

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office reports the arrest of 18 year-old Ladarrius Evans of Hammond in connection with the early morning carjacking and shooting death of 62 year-Old Arkansas resident Paul Holt. Holt and his wife had traveled to Louisiana as part of a birthday celebration, where Holt was to turn 63 on Sunday. 

Chief Jimmy Travis says shortly before 8AM today (May 6, 2023), deputies responded to the Red Roof Plus on Puma Drive in Hammond, after it was reported a person had been shot. Upon arrival, deputies located Paul Holt of Arkansas with a gunshot wound to the chest. Deputies quickly learned Holt was carjacked and subsequently shot while he and his wife were entering their vehicle. The investigation further revealed Holt and his wife were approached by an armed, masked subject, later identified as Evans, who entered the vehicle and attempted to leave with Holt's wife  in the passenger seat. Holt attempted to stop Evans, and was successful in aiding his wife's escape. While doing so, Evans shot Holt, who was unarmed, and fled in the stolen SUV. Holt subsequently succumbed to his injuries while at North Oaks Hospital. 

Investigators located the vehicle later in the day, and through investigatory means were able to develop Evans as the suspect. Upon locating Evans, he not only confessed to the crime, but was found to be in possession of items belonging to the victims as well as the clothing and other items used to perpetrate the murder and carjacking. Included in those items were a "Ghost Gun" with a Glock Switch. 

Evans has been booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on the charges of 1st Degree Murder, Carjacking, Possession of Unidentifiable Firearm, Armed Robbery with a Firearm, and Possession of a Machine Gun.

***All persons accused of a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty***

Note on Ghost Gun: Ghost guns are unserialized and untraceable firearms that can be bought online
and assembled at home. They are often sold through "ghost gun kits," which include all of the parts and often the equipment necessary to build these weapons at home. These kits are widely available and can be purchased by anyone, including prohibited purchasers, domestic abusers, and gun traffickers — without a background check.