Second 18-Year-Old Arrested In Lafayette Surrey Street Homicide

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - A second 18-year-old has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a Lafayette man on Surrey Street, and investigators are now revealing new details about the alleged gun sale and attempted robbery that led to the deadly encounter.

Lafayette Police announced Thursday morning, September 25, that Dawan Calais, 18, of Lafayette, was arrested on one count of second-degree murder in connection with the September 14 death of 22-year-old Ephrim Rose of Lafayette.

Booking information also lists multiple bench warrants for Calais. His bond on the second-degree murder charge is listed at $150,000.

Police Reveal New Details About Fatal Surrey Street Shooting

According to Lafayette Police, investigators determined that Calais and Rose had arranged to sell a firearm to Asher Cormier, 18, of Rayne, in exchange for cash.

Police allege the transaction took a deadly turn when Calais and Rose attempted to rob Cormier during the exchange.

Investigators say Cormier then discharged a firearm toward Rose, fatally wounding him.

The new information provides detail about what police say happened before the shooting after an earlier release revealed investigators had only said Rose was attempting to exchange items for money when a disagreement occurred.

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Asher Cormier Previously Charged With Second-Degree Murder

Cormier was arrested shortly after the shooting and booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on one count of second-degree murder.

The shooting happened near a business in the 200 block of Surrey Street at approximately 8:22 p.m. on September 14. Responding officers found Rose dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

Despite police now alleging that Rose and Calais attempted to rob Cormier before Cormier fired the fatal shot, Lafayette Police have not provided additional information explaining the specific legal basis for the second-degree murder charges filed against both 18-year-olds.

Calais Faces Murder Charge And Bench Warrants

Booking information for Calais lists the following:

• One count of second-degree murder
• Multiple entries for bench warrants
• $150,000 bond listed for the second-degree murder charge

The Lafayette Police Department says the case remains under investigation, meaning additional information could still be released.

LPSO

Anyone with information about the case can contact Lafayette Police or Lafayette Crime Stoppers at (337) 232-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the LPD app or P3 Tips app.