May 4, 2021- 1:00 p.m.
A double homicide suspect from the Baker area and his 4-month-old son that he allegedly kidnapped are both deceased, according to the Biloxi Police Department.
say Eric Derell Smith, 30, fatally shot his ex-girlfriend, Christin Parker, 32, and her nephew, Brandon Parker, 26, around 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 3, at Parker’s home in an unincorporated area of East Baton Rouge Parish near Baker, La.Smith then allegedly abducted Parker’s 4-month-old son, La’Mello Parker, and left the scene, according to law enforcement. Officials say Smith was the baby’s biological father.
Police say Smith was later spotted in his vehicle around 2:52 p.m. near the Louisiana/Mississippi state line. Multiple Mississippi law enforcement agencies say they engaged in a pursuit with Smith on I-10 eastbound.
WLOX-TV, WAFB’s sister station in Biloxi, Miss., reported Monday evening Smith died in an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement after the police pursuit ended on I-10 in Harrison County, Miss.The Harrison County Coroner confirmed the suspect died from multiple gunshot wounds.
The shooting was one mile west of the Woolmarket exit on I-10 east in Harrison County, Miss. Smith was in the driver’s seat.
The coroner added it was not a self-inflicted gunshot wound.The Biloxi TV station also reported the baby was injured in that same exchange of gunfire on Monday afternoon.
After the gunbattle ended, U.S. Marshals dashed in, grabbed the child, and rushed the baby to the hospital, WLOX reports.
The child was suffering from a gunshot wound but was still alive when he was moved from Merit Health in Biloxi, Miss. to USA Children’s Hospital in Mobile, Ala. Monday evening.
Officials say the baby later passed away at the hospital.“The juvenile did receive injuries and was taken to a local medical facility for treatment.
Despite the efforts of medical staff, the child passed away as a result of the injuries sustained. As stated, the investigation is ongoing at this time.
Once a thorough investigation is completed the details will be released to the District Attorney’s Office for review,” the Biloxi Police Department said in a statement on Tuesday, May 4.
