First degree murder charges in Jefferson Parish are being handed up against 29-year-old Donovan LaFrance.
He’s charged in the September 2022 murder of Clarence Harvey.
LaFrance is accused of forcing his way into his former fiancée’s apartment in unincorporated Gretna and killing Harvey.
Prosecutors say the killing was motivated by a love triangle between LaFrance, the fiancée and Harvey. Jefferson Parish investigators determined the couple had broken up and she moved on to dating Harvey. The confrontation took place on September 29 at the woman’s apartment on Wall Boulevard.
LaFrance arrived at the apartment and reportedly kicked in the door and found Harvey and his former fiancée in a bedroom.
LaFrance argued with the woman and the dispute turned physical.
Leaving briefly, LaFrance returned with a gun and firing at Harvey.
Harvey was pronounced dead at the scene.
LaFrance told investigators Harvey was reaching for a gun, but detectives say Harvey was unarmed and search did not turn up a gun.
Though initially released January 9th on $750,000 bond, the bail was increased by the court and LaFrance subsequently surrendered.
He will be arraigned on Monday.
