LULING, La. - Two days after a 28-year-old Metairie man was murdered, deputies arrested his alleged killer.
Jerel Smith, 31, was taken into custody this morning by the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office in connection with the case.
Authorities say the killing of Ryan Dubuc is tragic.
"Based on the information we have at this time, it appears Dubuc was robbed and brutally murdered for as little as $80 cash," said Sheriff Greg Champagne.
Dubuc stopped at a Luling convenience store before work Monday morning, when deputies believe he caught the eye of Smith.
"We believe the perpetrator saw Mr. Dubuc withdraw cash from the ATM machine," Champagne said. "It's clearly visible from the parking lot."
Deputies say Smith asked Dubuc for a ride and the two drove off. They then believe shortly after, Smith shot and killed Dubuc.
"The autopsy indicated and confirmed Dubuc had been shot four times in the head at close range," Champagne said.
Dubuc's body was found later that morning near the Water Treatment Plant in Hahnville, his truck was found later that night in a field in LaPlace.
"Nothing like this happens back here so it's crazy," said resient Kaybrin Wilson. "And nobody is back here besides riding their 4-wheelers and stuff like that."
Less than 48-hours later, Smith was arrested.
According to law enforcement, Smith is no stranger to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Department. Sheriff Champagne says he'd been arrested several times before.
"He has a bit of a criminal history," said Champagne. "What I can positively confirm today are prior arrests for domestic abuse, an armed robbery some years ago, as well as narcotics violations."
Smith now faces three charges including First Degree Murder. While Sheriff Champagne praises his deputies in making a swift arrest, he also knows a life was taken too soon. And adds they'll do what they can to bring Dubuc's family justice.
"The case is still active, we're still talking to witnesses, tying it all together but we're very confident in the case we have now," he said.
If you have any information about this case you're encouraged to call the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Department.
