Florida man allegedly shot his best friend for vaping in the house

GULFPORT, Fla. (TCN) -- A man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder after an investigation found that his friend’s fatal shooting in April was a homicide.

According to the Gulfport Police Department, officers arrived at a home on April 17 for a death investigation. Elisha Christopher Landry, 28, had dialed 911 shortly after 5 a.m. and allegedly stated that his best friend was shot in the garage, according to WFLA.

Based on evidence they collected at the scene, detectives determined that 34-year-old Shaun Hennigh died from a single gunshot wound, per the police. 

Detectives took statements from residents at the home and other witnesses and the investigation found that the circumstances surrounding Hennigh’s death were suspicious. WFLA reports Hennigh’s body was cold and rigor mortis was already setting in when first responders arrived. 

Landry initially claimed Hennigh had shot himself but then said the two were arguing and “play-fighting” in the garage. In addition, Landry’s girlfriend alleged Hennigh was vaping in a bedroom and Landry confronted him about it.

Witnesses told investigators they heard gunfire at about 12:30 a.m., but Landry did not dial 911 until several hours later. Detectives also noted that the scene appeared to have been manipulated, according to Law & Crime. There were reportedly blood spatters outside and marks consistent with a body being dragged from one location to another.

According to witnesses, the friends had a long history of arguments regarding money, Law & Crime reports.

The death was ruled a homicide, according to WTVT. The medical examiner ruled out the possibility that the gunshot to Hennigh’s head was self-inflicted, according to WFLA, as he had been shot in the back of the head.

On May 18, Landry was arrested in connection with the death and charged with second-degree murder, according to police.

His next court date has not been set, per Law & Crime. 

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