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After 79-year-old man's murder, surveillance video played key role in his son's arrest

1 year 3 months 4 hours ago Tuesday, September 12 2023 Sep 12, 2023 September 12, 2023 10:28 PM September 12, 2023 in News
Source: WBRZ

BATON ROUGE - Police have arrested a man suspected of killing his 79-year-old father inside their home over the weekend. 

The Baton Rouge Police Department said John Brown was found dead Saturday at his house on Leonidas Drive. He was shot twice, including a gunshot to the head. 

On Tuesday, police announced the arrest of the victim's 30-year-old son, Douglas Brown. Police said Douglas was living with his father at the time and the killing was likely motivated by money. 

"Mr. Brown was a good father to that boy," said Patricia Lee, a longtime neighbor of John Brown.

Arrest documents said that a surveillance camera under the carport showed Douglas entering the home with his hand hidden inside a bag on the night of the shooting. He was then seen leaving again a short time later and then returning with an item — believed to be a gun — concealed under fabric. 

After he re-entered the house, two shots are heard and the suspect is then seen hastily fleeing the home. 

Court records say that Douglas Brown was previously arrested for attempted second-degree murder in 2021. The victim told police that Douglas Brown came into the room they were in, pulled out a handgun and started "firing shots without provocation." The victim was shot five times. 

The attempted murder charge was lessened to second-degree battery in Oct. 2022 and Douglas Brown pleaded guilty. Judge Louis R. Daniel suspended the prison sentence of 10 years and gave him three years on probation. 

WBRZ spoke with John Brown's daughter on Monday. She said the news of her father's death shocked the family.

"I have no idea who would want to hurt him," Stephanie Brown James said.  

John Brown was a student at Southern University and was set to earn his master's degree in December. He leaves behind a large family, including more than 30 grandchildren, according to his daughter.

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