SLIDELL, La. -- A man trying to buy a Camaro got into a fight with the seller, shot him four times, wrapped his body in plastic and stuffed it into the trunk, sheriff's deputies said Tuesday.
The victim, David Smith, was found dead early Monday morning after neighbors reported hearing gunshots in the Eden Isles neighborhood.
On Tuesday, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain announced that 33-year-old Michael Lizana has been charged with first-degree murder in the case.
The coroner said Smith was shot four times, twice behind the ear and twice in his body, with a 9 mm pistol.
Deputies said their suspect "made some admissions about his involvement," but they stopped short of calling it a confession.
Smith was trying to sell the Camaro, and investigators believe Lizana went to Smith's home to look at the car.
Smith was a battalion chief from Fire District No. 1, with 26 years on the job.
"(It's) an exceptional loss. We're heartbroken. I can't even put it into words," said Fire District 1 Chief Larry Hess.
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