A Louisiana man who had a “rocky relationship” with his stepfather decided to murder the 66-year-old at his home, according to police. The suspect sent voice recordings to his brother on Facebook detailing how the slaying occurred.
“I put a hammer in my pants and everything,” Ian Seghers, 34, of Baton Rouge, allegedly told his sibling on one of the recordings, according to local ABC and CBS affiliate WLOX. Sean Crawford, Seghers’ brother, played the recordings for the outlet after turning them over to the police, according to WLOX.
“Walked up in that b— to do it,” Seghers allegedly said.
Police believe Seghers murdered his stepfather, Walter Rowland, around March 9, when the victim was reported missing after missing a weekly visit with his sister. Rowland’s body has never been discovered.
According to CBS affiliate WAFB, Seghers’ arrest warrant and affidavit, obtained by local media outlets this week, describe the couple’s “rocky relationship” prior to Rowland’s murder. According to the arrest warrant, Seghers allegedly asked for help cleaning up the murder scene in voice recordings.
“He leaves these messages repeatedly and also stated that he had to remove carpet because of the disgusting mess that was at this residence,” the warrant read, according to ABC affiliate WBRZ.
Crawford told WLOX that he feels guilty about turning over the recordings he received via Facebook Messenger to local authorities, but he also knows it was the right thing to do. Cops confirmed to WAFB that they received the recordings, which led to Seghers being charged with first-degree murder.
“I feel like I’m doing him wrong but at the same time to call me or come knocking on my door saying hey man help me with a murder,” Crawford told the reporter.
According to WAFB, Seghers previously lived in Baton Rouge with his stepfather and the two had domestic issues. He allegedly drove Rowland’s truck to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, after killing him, and was apprehended on March 22.
While Rowland’s body was never discovered, police say there was enough evidence to charge Seghers, including large amounts of blood and blood spatter found inside Rowland’s home.
“Even though he tried to clean it, we were able to see that a scene had occurred there using the technology and equipment we have,” said BRPD public information officer Lt. L’Jean McKneely during an interview with WAFB.
Law&Crime attempted to reach the department for comment and additional information on Wednesday but was unsuccessful.