Man Wanted In Joliet Murder Caught In Louisiana
LAFAYETTE, La. (STMW) - A man accused of killing another man for insulting his girlfriend at a party this summer in southwest suburban Joliet has been caught in Louisiana after four months on the run.
Mickey D. Smith, 44, was spotted Tuesday night by a patrol officer who had been given a flier with his description, Lafayette police said.
On June 28, Douglas L. White, 44, and Smith's girlfriend were among those attending a small gathering at White's girlfriend's house, in the 900 block of Mulford Lane in Joliet. The woman left after an argument with White and returned at 12:26 a.m. June 29, with Smith in the passenger seat of her car.
Witnesses said Smith got out carrying a handgun walked into the garage and shot White once in the chest.
The couple drove away before officers arrived. The Ruger pistol Smith allegedly used was found later that day near a backyard fence in the 200 block of Menlo Court.
After police questioned Smith's girlfriend, a first-degree murder warrant carrying a $3 million bond was issued for Smith.
The suspect allegedly remained in the area for some time, but was not found by police.
"On Oct. 29, the FBI sent out information that the suspect could be with acquaintances in the Lafayette area," Cpl. Paul Mouton said Thursday. "One of our officers was out on an aggressive patrol detail when he saw (Smith) walking out of a government housing unit on King Drive, which is parallel to Interstate 10."
The officer approached Smith and noticed the tattoo reading "Little Mickey" on his hand, which was noted in the flier.
"He told the officer his name was 'Louis' so when the officer asked him to spell it, he said 'L-O-U-' then hesitated and finished 'I-S-E,'" Mouton said.
Smith was taken into custody and remained "cooperative but nervous."
After his identity was established, Smith was taken to the Lafayette Parish jail to await extradition to Illinois.
© Sun-Times Media Wire Chicago Sun-Times 2010. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed
