Chief Jimmy Travis reports two people are behind bars tonight in connection with the April 15 murder of Romero “Sparky” Watkins Jr.
In the early morning hours of April 15, 2023, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to the intersection of Wardline and Durbin Road in Hammond in reference to a shooting.
Upon arrival, deputies located 26 YO Romero “Sparky” Watkins Jr. deceased in the driver’s seat of his vehicle.
During the investigation, detectives were able to identify a suspect in Jervarion “Jay” Smith, 25 YO from Hammond.
On April 27, 2023 Smith was taken into custody without incident and was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on (1) count of second degree murder and (1) count of Obstruction of Justice. Also arrested was 20 YO Lagaria “Breezy” Bryant of Amite on (1) count of Obstruction of Justice.
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for their help in this investigation as well as the Louisiana State Police.
