EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, La. — Nicholas Smith, 25, has been arrested after allegedly fatally shooting his grandfather, 79-year-old Danny Beck, during a violent incident on Saturday afternoon, September 6, leaving a family shattered and a community in disbelief.
According to the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of gunfire on Crystal Drive just after 3 p.m. When they arrived, they found Beck suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts from first responders, Beck was pronounced dead at the scene.
Deputies quickly identified Smith as the suspect. Investigators allege he opened fire during a confrontation, though the circumstances that led up to the shooting remain under investigation. Smith was taken into custody without incident and later booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges of first-degree murder and illegal use of weapons.
The news has left residents of the quiet neighborhood shaken. Several neighbors reported hearing the gunshots, followed by the sound of sirens and law enforcement swarming the area. “It was terrifying — this is usually such a peaceful street,” one neighbor said. “I never thought something like this could happen so close to home.”
Family members are grappling with the tragic loss of Danny Beck, who was described as a devoted grandfather, longtime parish resident, and a man who enjoyed spending time with his family. “Danny was the rock of this family,” a relative shared. “We cannot understand how this could have happened.”
The sheriff’s office has not yet released further details about what may have sparked the deadly altercation, but officials confirmed the investigation is active and ongoing. Detectives are working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux expressed condolences to the Beck family while acknowledging the broader toll such violence takes on the community. “Anytime a life is lost in this manner, it is heartbreaking,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with this family as they deal with this unimaginable tragedy.”
Smith remains in custody as of Sunday, and prosecutors are expected to review the case in the coming days. If convicted of first-degree murder, he could face a mandatory life sentence.
As investigators continue their work, family and friends of Danny Beck are left mourning a life cut short in an act of violence that has forever altered their lives.
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