Man Fatally Shot After Dispute Over ‘Black and Mild’ Cigars
Columbus police charged 35-year-old Ladarius Alexander with murder in the death of 36-year-old De’Kevin Louis. The indictment was filed Friday, and Alexander was booked into the Franklin County Jail late that afternoon.
Shooting and discovery
Louis’s body was found March 25 inside a now-shuttered after-hours club on Lockbourne Road. Officers described the location as an unsecured venue where patrons sometimes gathered after hours.
Witness accounts and evidence
Charging documents filed by detectives say witness interviews identified Alexander. Witnesses allegedly told police they saw Alexander shoot Louis in the head and injure his left hand.
Investigators reviewed surveillance video from a nearby Walmart. The footage reportedly shows Alexander with gauze wrapped around his hand after the shooting.
Alleged motive and suspect statement
Detectives wrote that Alexander admitted to a confrontation with Louis “over a black and mild.” He reportedly told officers that Louis pulled a gun on him.
According to the charging paperwork, Alexander said he wrestled away the weapon and then shot Louis. He also told police he shot himself in the hand during the struggle.
Investigative notes
Police initially listed Alexander as a person of interest, then later said he was “no longer a person of interest in this investigation.” Charging documents, however, state witnesses identified him in the incident.
Local reporting compiled by Filmogaz.com cites the detective filings and surveillance descriptions provided to prosecutors.
The case involves a man fatally shot after a dispute over Black and Mild cigars, according to the arrest paperwork. Authorities continue to develop the investigation and have not released further public comments.
