Louisiana infant dies after father kidnaps him, led police on interstate chase and shootout

WLOX reported that 30-year-old Eric Smith killed both his ex-girlfriend and her 26-year-old nephew at 11:30 in the morning back on Monday. Smith being the biological father to the infant, he then kidnapped the child and fled the area.

From there, the outlet says, it was a police chase that crossed from Louisiana into Mississippi. Authorities tried various tactics like using stop sticks and closing off exits on the interstate to minimize bystanders, and a young child, getting in harm’s way.

An estimated 50 cop cars from different agencies were involved: “Mississippi Highway Patrol, Louisiana State Police, Biloxi Police Department, the U.S. Marshal Service, and deputies from Harrison, Hancock and Jackson counties.”

It was at the Woolmarket exit that the vehicle stopped and a gunfire battle began. Both Eric Smith and La’Mello died as a result from that.

Fast forward to Wednesday and we get this statement from Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer.

“The infant died from a single gunshot wound. He will not say where the gunshot wound was. He does not know if it was made at close range or long range. That information will be included in the autopsy report, which will be sent to investigators and the DA’s office. The suspect’s autopsy was also today. He died from multiple gunshot wounds. He does not have any other information to release. Any additional information will need to come from Biloxi Police since they are the investigating agency or the DA’s office.”

Details are not immediately clear beyond that. However a fair member of the law enforcement personnel involved in the situation that day have been placed on an administrative leave until the investigation concludes.