Erion Franklin, 20, was found shot to death on a patio in a Baton Rouge apartment complex on the morning of September 15, 2022. Deputies with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene around 6:30 a.m. on Yorkfield Drive, off O’Neal Lane. Near his body investigators recovered two large bags of suspected marijuana, a pair of digital scales, and a .40 caliber ammunition round, which led them to describe a narcotics transaction as part of the incident.

A tip to Crime Stoppers and witness statements pointed investigators to 18-year-old Destin Cade Brogan. Authorities arrested Brogan on September 29, 2022, and recovered a Glock 40 handgun reported stolen from Franklin. Brogan admitted to shooting Franklin, saying the two had met for a drug deal and that Franklin tried to rob him; investigators say Brogan’s account did not match evidence from the scene. Brogan was booked on First Degree Murder, Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms, and Armed Robbery, with no bond set as the case remained pending.

If anyone knew Erion, or has information about the events on September 15, please come forward to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office.