Suspect, victim said acquainted

“They think they won because they killed my son but nobody won. I lost my son and they lost their freedom. Nobody won.” James gray,   father of Christopher King

The man arrested Friday in connection with the slaying of Christopher King, 25, had known the victim for about a year, King’s girlfriend of five years said.

The two Scotlandville men had not been in any serious fight that she knew of, said Alisha Gilmore, 25.

“I think it was about jealousy,” Gilmore said. “They were so-called friends.”

Baton Rouge police arrested and booked Erin Gross, 18, 1420 Cardinal St., on counts of second-degree murder and illegal use of a weapon, booking records show.

Police said they believe Gross shot King multiple times while King was driving in the 1300 block of Oriole Street at about 4:20 a.m. Wednesday.

After he was shot, King drove his car into a house on the street. He died Friday.

Gilmore said Gross used to come by the Scotlandville house she shared with King and played with their 2-year-old son.

Detectives wrote in an affidavit of probable cause that Gross shot King after the two had an “argument.”

King’s family members said they believe Gross did not act alone in the killing.

Gilmore said she believes another man King knew also was involved in the shooting.

“We just want justice,” Gilmore said.

Gilmore said she found out about King’s death when a friend of his knocked on her door at about 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The victim’s mother, Jennifer King, 43, said she was shocked by her son’s death because he was not a violent person.

She said he was the type of person to admit when he was wrong and apologize, so his fights never escalated to violence.

“He wasn’t no fighter,” she said. “He was a good person. He didn’t deserve what they did to him.”

King’s father, James Gray, 43, said the murder was senseless.

“They think they won because they killed my son but nobody won,” Gray said. “I lost my son and they lost their freedom. Nobody won.”

The murder is still under investigation, police spokesman Cpl. Tommy Stubbs said.

Anyone with information can contact Homicide Division at [phone] or Crime Stoppers at [phone].

Comments

1) Comment by CountryBoysCanSurvive - 08/05/2012

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawn

2) Comment by imnoturenemy - 07/05/2012

I do not understand why in every situation race has to play a factor. It should not matter what color the persons skin is they should not lose their lives. It seems those that are playing the race game are un-educated and should consider either finishing school or returning because its obvious they did not learn anything worth while. My condolences go out to all involved.

3) Comment by nimby? - 07/05/2012

YaskY , I could have said the same in reference to the meth heads recently arrested in Livingston parish . young people , any color , not going to school , not working , involved in questionable activities ? am I incorrect ?

4) Comment by KB - 07/05/2012

Very sad story...very sad.

5) Comment by silent1 - 07/05/2012

right when he was turning his life around too

6) Comment by YaskY - 07/05/2012

@Nimby, your point would have been valid until you pointed out things that we have no control of...color & age. @CBCS you were the inspiration behind my user name. I'm sure you believe that you don't have a racist bone in your body.

7) Comment by nimby? - 07/05/2012

same color , neighborhood , under 30 , under educated , unemployed , knew each other , drugs involved . I wish more would see the value of an education , stay in school . the failure to learn from the mistakes of previous generations ....

8) Comment by beanie - 07/05/2012

@CBCS....How would you know? Are they yours?

9) Comment by CountryBoysCanSurvive - 07/05/2012

Just look at the welfare checks in this picture