A late-night dispute in a Saucier mobile home turned deadly in February 2019 when 20-year-old David Garcia was shot and killed during an altercation that also claimed the life of a 2-year-old boy. The incident happened on Riceville Road, where two families — each a man, a woman, and a child — were living together. Authorities say the conflict began after an argument, with alcohol involved, between Garcia and 34-year-old Billy Roberts, the toddler’s father.

Deputies responding to a 911 call found Garcia and the child dead inside the residence. Roberts was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder and manslaughter; a judge set bond at $1.5 million. Roberts told investigators he shot Garcia in self-defense and then fired again to ensure Garcia was no longer a threat, and he says the child’s death was accidental.