Authorities in Louisiana Arrested 3 in Seattle and 2 in Baton Rouge in Connection with Drug Deal Gone Bad Resulting in a Death

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office (EBRSO) reported on February 7, 2023, that their Homicide Division, along with the Louisiana U.S. Marshals Service Task Force, apprehended three men in Seattle, Washington for allegedly murdering a man during a drug deal in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on November 23, 2022, at an address in the 11000 Block of Mead Road.

“I’m so proud of the hard work by our detectives and the support of our state and federal task forces to apprehend these suspects,” Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said. “Once in Seattle, it took them less than 24 hours to locate and apprehend these individuals. I am grateful for their commitment and their dedicated service.”

On November 23, 2022, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at Willowbend Lake Apartments. Christopher Jamal Bennett-Smith, 29, was discovered dead outside his apartment. Two other men were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Detectives reportedly discovered 30 pounds of suspected marijuana, $7,500 in cash, and several handguns on the scene.

According to the investigation, the three suspects traveled from Washington in possession of marijuana with the intent of conducting a drug transaction. Bennett-Smith and two others are accused of going to the apartment and attempting to rob the three suspects of the drugs. Bennett-Smith was hit and died on the scene after the two groups exchanged gunfire.

Christopher Bourgeois, 24, and Travis Foster, 32, were arrested and charged with Attempted First Degree Murder after being transported from the scene.

Juan Soto was shot during the exchange of gunfire but returned to Seattle without seeking medical attention. When he was apprehended, detectives took him to the hospital to be treated for his injuries.

Cerion Malik Hardeman, 23 of Tacoma, Washington is charged with First Degree Murder, Possession/Distribution Manufacturing Schedule 1, Illegal Carrying of Weapons with CDS and Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon.

Juan Carlos Marrero Soto, 23 of Tacoma, Washington is charged with First Degree Murder, Possession/Distribution Manufacturing Schedule 1 and Illegal Carrying of Weapons with CDS.

Matthew Maeli Fatuesi, 21 of Olympia, Washington is charged with First Degree Murder, Possession/Distribution Manufacturing Schedule 1, Illegal Carrying of Weapons with CDS and Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon.

Zavier Wallace, 22 was also arrested in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, and booked into the St. Martin Parish Jail for Possession of a Firearm with a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Distribution of Schedule 1. Wallace allegedly supplied the apartment for the drug transaction.

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office also expressed gratitude to the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Forces in Louisiana and Washington, as well as the Louisiana State Police Fugitive Task Force.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.