A Jefferson Parish jury on Wednesday (April 22) found Warren Smith guilty of shooting his brother-in-law three times, including twice in the back in Kenner two years ago.
Smith, 35, of Kenner, was convicted of manslaughter in the Aug. 4, 2024, death of Reginald Scott Jr., 43.
Both men lived in an apartment complex in the 4200 block of Chateau Boulevard. They had unresolved hostilities dating to 2011, when Smith’s sister, who was married to Scott, committed suicide. Smith believed Scott pushed his sister to take her own life.
Immediately after the shooting, Smith was heard saying, “Reg ain’t gonna mess with me no more. I shot him.” Smith then fled to Baton Rouge, where he was arrested several hours later by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Smith purchased the 9mm semiautomatic pistol about two weeks before he shot Scott and “was waiting for any opportunity to kill his brother-in-law,” Assistant District Attorney Molly Love told jurors Wednesday in closing argument.
“This wasn’t self-defense,” ADA Love told jurors. “Warren wasn’t scared of Reginald when he stood over his body making sure he finished the job, making sure he wasn’t going to mess with him anymore.”
Two family members called the Kenner Police Department after the shooting, including Scott’s son, who found his mortally wounded father on the ground outside his apartment. Police found bloody footprints that led from Scott’s apartment to Smith’s apartment. The footprints were found on the carpeted stairs inside Smith’s apartment, leading to Smith’s bedroom.
Smith stood trial on a charge of second-degree murder. Jurors deliberated about three hours in finding him guilty of the lesser offense, which carries a punishment of up to 40 years in prison.
Judge Stephen Enright of the 24th Judicial District Court set sentencing for May 14.
Assistant District Attorneys Molly Love and Theresa King prosecuted the case.