Juan Enrique Reyes Lugo, 26, was shot and killed in a room at the Super 8 motel on Airline Highway in Baton Rouge on February 2, 2022. Police responded to a call about 4 a.m., found Lugo with multiple gunshot wounds, and he died after being taken to a local hospital.

Authorities identified 24-year-old Duke Flores as a suspect. Police say Flores contacted them, and officers found him at a nearby convenience store armed with two handguns. Flores was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges that included first-degree murder and illegal use of a weapon. Reports say Flores told investigators he had received a spiritual message from Santa Muerte that compelled him to kill Lugo; the two were described as acquaintances.

What information might help clarify the motive or what happened at the motel that night?