Cathy Watson, 41, of Baton Rouge died on May 28, 2022, from a gunshot wound. Her fiancé, 31-year-old Gerald Smith, initially told authorities she had accidentally shot herself in the head. Watson was taken to a local hospital and did not survive.

The East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide. Investigators say a history of domestic disputes existed between the couple, and that on the night of her death the two argued at a laundromat on Greenwell Street and the fight turned physical. Friends said Watson met Smith at the restaurant where she worked and that after he moved in with her and her daughter and grandson she became fearful of him.

With help from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Smith was arrested on June 1, 2022, and booked on charges of second-degree murder, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities, and domestic abuse battery. If anyone knew Cathy or saw her that night, please share what you remember.