Man shot dead in Maringouin in possible murder-on-demand case

IBERVILLE PARISH, La. (WAFB) – An investigation into the death of a 65-year-old Maringouin man last month has led to the discovery of what investigators say was a murder-for-hire situation.

RELATED: IPSO: 3 suspects arrested, 1 wanted for murder for hire of a 65-year-old man

“And all hell broke loose once they got to work,” District Attorney Tony Clayton said.

Herman Harris was found shot to death in his home on August 27, prompting investigators to search for those responsible for several weeks.

Investigators say cameras and a license plate reader allowed them to track the suspects from the crime scene to a home in Edwards, Mississippi.

“They stopped the car in Mississippi, with Mississippi residents, and they found an individual with thousands of dollars in that car,” Clayton said.

Investigators say they have found evidence from phone records that a man named Johnnie Hicks may have been involved in the crime.

Clayton said one of the key clues was a pillow used to muffle the sound of gunfire. Investigators said DNA from the pillow matched that of Hicks, who has a lengthy criminal record and was just released from prison in June.

“It didn’t surprise us, but we certainly surprised Mr. Hicks. They thought they were beyond the reach of justice, and now they know that’s not the case,” said Iberville Parish Sheriff Brett Stassi.

Clayton said after speaking to neighbors, they discovered the victim worked for siblings Rilonda and David Brooks.

“The evidence will show that Ms. Brooks received a large sum of money in a lawsuit and that Mr. Harris worked for them. At some point, Mr. Harris was injured on the job and went to get help,” Clayton said.

Investigators believe the Brooks siblings feared Mr. Harris would sue them and may have hired Hicks to kill him.

The three men were arrested on multiple charges, including second-degree murder and murder for hire. Investigators are still searching for a fourth suspect, Javadda Lewis.

“We’re going to ask the judges not to grant bail to any of these co-defendants. Because it’s obvious that they will kill to get what they want. We think that our witnesses who will eventually come forward are in danger and will be in trouble if these people are released from prison,” Clayton said.

At a press conference today, Clayton thanked detectives for their hard work over the past few weeks.

“All they had was a dead body in the middle of nowhere and a pillowcase. And from there, we’ve arrested three, we’re about to arrest four, and there may be more to come. This type of activity will not occur under the jurisdiction of Iberville Parish,” Clayton said.

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