By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Authorities in St. John the Baptist Parish continued its search this morning for a 17-year-old, who shot and killed a man after an argument in LaPlace Sunday afternoon.

Spence Adams, of Houma Drive in LaPlace, is wanted in connection with the shooting, which occurred near the intersection of Houma Drive and Grant Drive, just after 12 p.m., said Capt Dane Clement, spokesman for the St. John Sheriff’s Office.

Witnesses said Adams and the victim, identified as32-year-old Eric LaBranch of LaPlace, were arguing when Adams pulled a gun and fired. He then fled the area heading north on Grant Drive. Clement said LaBranch was transported to River Parishes Hospital in LaPlace, where he was pronounced dead. The killing is the second homicide in the parish this year.

Adams stands at about 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white tank top, blue jeans, red athletic shoes, and a red bandana. He is considered armed and dangerous.

The St. John Sheriff’s Office is working in conjunction with State Police and the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office initiated a manhunt, which resumed this morning, to find Adams. Anyone knowing his whereabouts is asked to call St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office 911 or 985-652-6338 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.