Dalton Michiels

CAMPTI, La. — A Grant Parish man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of a Montgomery woman in Campti, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office said Wednesday in a news release.

Dalton Exavier Michiels, 18, of Bentley, was booked into the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center on Tuesday evening, less than 24 hours after the investigation began. He is accused in the shooting death of Jasmine M. Smith, 27, of Montgomery.

According to the sheriff's office, detectives arrested Michiels without incident Tuesday afternoon at a mobile home park in the 7900 block of state Highway 9 near Campti after receiving a tip about his location.

Investigators executed a search warrant at the house and recovered what they believe to be the murder weapon, a handgun, along with other evidence connected to the case.

The investigation began about 8:44 p.m. Monday when deputies responded to a reported medical emergency involving a vehicle being driven south on U.S. Highway 71 near Clarence. A caller reported that a passenger had been shot in the Campti area and was being taken for medical treatment.

Deputies intercepted the vehicle in Clarence and found Smith suffering from a gunshot wound to the thigh. They rendered emergency aid before she was taken by ambulance to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and later airlifted to Rapides Regional Medical Center, where she died Tuesday afternoon.

Detectives determined the shooting occurred on Adkins Street in Campti.

Investigators worked through the night processing the crime scene, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses and pursuing leads. During the investigation, detectives executed three search warrants signed by a district judge.

Detectives continued following leads and interviewing witnesses before information provided by the public led to Michiels' arrest.

On Wednesday morning, detectives traveled to Shreveport to attend Smith's autopsy, which will determine the official cause and manner of death.

Investigators have not released a motive, saying doing so could compromise the ongoing investigation.

"This arrest is the direct result of the outstanding work and determination of our deputies and detectives who worked tirelessly from the moment this investigation began," Sheriff Stuart Wright said. "I want to commend every member of our team for their professionalism and dedication in bringing this case together in less than 24 hours. I also want to sincerely thank the members of our community who came forward with valuable information. Your willingness to speak up made a difference. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Jasmine Smith as they grieve this heartbreaking loss. While an arrest has been made, this remains an active investigation, and we remain committed to seeking justice for the victim and her loved ones."

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at 318-357-7830.

Detective Sgt. Eric Mogridge is the lead investigator, assisted by Detective Lt. J. Kilpatrick. Assisting agencies include the Natchitoches Parish Coroner's Office, Natchitoches Parish District Attorney's Office, Red River Parish Sheriff's Office and Grant Parish Sheriff's Office.