By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE –St. John the Baptist Parish authorities are investigating the death of a 23-year-old LaPlace man, who was found dead inside his home Thursday morning, according to a spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office.

Devon Anderson was shot and killed inside his home in the 500 block of Willow Street in LaPlace, said Capt. Dane Clement, spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office. Clement said Anderson’s brother, who also lives at the residence, called police around 6:14 a.m. Thursday after he entered the home and found his brother lying on the floor unresponsive. Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy performed Thursday showed Anderson suffered multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators said about an hour prior to deputies arriving on the scene, neighbors reported hearing gunshots and a barking dog near the home, but no one called to report the gunfire at that time.

Anderson’s death is the third homicide of the year in St. John Parish.

On Jan. 14 Kevin Ferrygood, 23, of Garyville, was shot and killed near the intersection of South Fig and Daisy Streets. Investigators arrested Craig Lee Jr., 23, of Reserve and Devonte Johnson, 18, of LaPlace, who were both considered “persons of interest” in the shooting.

Each was arrested in connection with other crimes, but neither has been charged in the murder.

On Jan. 22, Eric LaBranch, 32, of LaPlace, was shot and killed after an argument. Authorities have arrested Spence Adams, 17, in connection with LaBranch’s killing.

Clement said detectives are actively pursuing all leads and ask that anyone with information regarding Thursday’s shooting call St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives at 985-652-6338 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.