By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Almost 10 months of investigation led to an arrest last week for second-degree murder.

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested DeQuan Brown, 19, of Mercury Lane in Reserve, Friday in connection with the killing of Meshach Mason.

Mason was found dead on East 16th Street in Reserve near the train tracks in Reserve, the victim of gun violence.

Sheriff’s office spokesman Sgt. Dane Clement said authorities are not releasing information concerning a potential motive for the killing.

“Evidence collected in the investigation and the persistent efforts of detectives led to identifying Brown as a suspect in the investigation,” a press release said. “Detectives obtained a judicial ordered arrest warrant for Brown on (Thursday).”

Brown is charged with second-degree murder and is in custody in lieu of a $550,000 bond.

Authorities indicated the investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with information regarding the killing to call the Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Those that call Crimestoppers do not have to testify in court and may qualify for a cash reward.

Clement said authorities are not looking for more suspects but are seeking any additional information related to the shooting.

Deputies began working the case after they responded to East 16th Street Aug. 24 following the report of an unresponsive man lying on the ground near the train tracks. Deputies arrived, finding Mason, who was the apparent victim of a homicide.