A shocking murder case from Florida has left many people stunned after a man allegedly killed his own best friend following a small argument over vaping inside the house. Police say the accused later tried to explain the shooting as “play-fighting,” but investigators believe the evidence tells a very different story.
The accused, 28-year-old Elisha Christopher Landry, has now been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the death of his roommate and close friend, 34-year-old Shaun Allen Hennigh. The incident reportedly happened on April 17 in Gulfport, Florida.
Florida Man Arrested for Best Friend’s Murder
According to police reports, officers responded to a 911 call at around 5:04 a.m. from a home located on Tangerine Avenue South. During the call, Landry allegedly told the dispatcher that his “best friend” had been shot in the garage.
When asked whether Hennigh had shot himself, Landry reportedly replied that he was “not sure.” He also claimed he had been sitting with the body for around 30 minutes before calling for help.
However, investigators later discovered that neighbours had heard a gunshot and a car alarm at around 12:32 a.m. — nearly four and a half hours before the emergency call was made.
Police Found Signs of a Cover-Up
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Hennigh dead inside the garage. Police said the victim’s body was already cold, rigor mortis had started, and there were dried blood footprints around the area.
Investigators also noticed signs that the crime scene may have been altered. Reports mention:
- Blood spatters outside near a bench and driveway
- Blood underneath a package storage box
- Drag marks and blood smears leading into the garage
- Evidence suggesting the body had been moved
Police believe the body may have been dragged from outside into the garage after the shooting.
Accused Gave Multiple Contradictory Statements
During questioning, Landry allegedly changed his story several times.
At first, he claimed he and Hennigh were simply smoking in the garage after a disagreement. Later, he told officers the two men were “play-fighting” when the gun accidentally went off.
Landry allegedly claimed that Hennigh grabbed a 9 mm handgun from his waistband during the playful struggle. But moments later, he reportedly contradicted himself and denied that Hennigh had taken the weapon from the holster at all.
During a later interview with detectives, Landry reportedly refused to clearly explain how the shooting happened and said, “I can’t tell you.”
Argument Started Over Vaping Inside the House
Police also spoke to Landry’s girlfriend, who allegedly revealed what led to the deadly incident.
According to her statement:
| Incident Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Main reason for argument | Hennigh was vaping inside the house |
| Where the argument began | Upstairs bedroom |
| What happened next | Hennigh went downstairs to the garage |
| Landry’s actions | Went downstairs carrying a handgun |
Investigators believe the disagreement quickly became violent.
Forensic Evidence Raised More Questions
Police said the physical evidence did not match Landry’s version of events.
Landry allegedly claimed he held his injured friend for nearly 30 minutes after the shooting. But forensic experts found only a small amount of blood on his clothes despite the severe head wound suffered by the victim.
Authorities also said Landry admitted changing clothes before police arrived. He allegedly pulled jeans over the shorts he had been wearing during the shooting.
The autopsy later confirmed that Hennigh died from a single gunshot wound to the back of the head. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.
Mother Was Reportedly Inside the Home
One detail that shocked investigators was that Landry’s mother, who is reportedly a licensed travel nurse with years of medical experience, was inside the home during the entire delay before 911 was called.
Police said Landry never woke her up or asked her to help his injured friend.
This delay in seeking medical assistance became an important part of the investigation.
Friends Had Financial Disputes in the Past
Investigators also uncovered old text messages showing the roommates had previous arguments related to money and bills.
Police reports claim Landry had previously forced Hennigh to leave the house because he was not regularly paying his share of expenses. Hennigh had reportedly been “couch surfing” earlier this year due to the dispute.
Authorities are now looking at whether ongoing tension between the two men may have contributed to the deadly confrontation.
Accused Remains in Jail Without Bond
Elisha Christopher Landry is currently being held at the Pinellas County Jail without bond. Officials have not yet confirmed the date of his next court appearance.
The case has drawn attention because of the disturbing details, including the delayed 911 call, changing stories, and the alleged attempt to make the shooting appear accidental. Investigators continue to gather evidence as the legal process moves forward.
