Hammond Teen Arrested in Murder of Arkansas Resident

Published 3:02 pm Sunday, May 7, 2023

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of 18 year old Ladarrius Evans of Hammond in connection with the early morning shooting death of an Arkansas resident.

Chief Jimmy Travis says shortly before 8AM today, 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 62 year old 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.

Holt and his wife had traveled to Louisiana as part of a birthday celebration, where Holt was to turn 63 on Sunday.

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