[StBernard] Violet man found dead in burning car was first shot in head

[Westley Annis]

Violet man found dead in burning car was first shot in head
 By Benjamin Alexander-Bloch, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune 
The Violet man found murdered in his burning car last month was shot once in
his head before his car was set on fire in eastern St. Bernard Parish, St.
Bernard Parish Sheriff Jimmy Pohlmann said on Friday. Sheriff's detectives
continue to investigate their suspicion that the Christopher Campbell's
passion for racing cars may have led to his murder.


The burned-out Ford Mustang, in which the body of Christopher Campbell was
found in St. Bernard Parish on Tuesday night.
Steve Cannizaro / St. Bernard Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office hasn't received a full autopsy on Campbell, 28, but his
cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head as Campbell sat in the
driver's seat of his special edition 2004 Ford Mustang, according to police.
A passer-by called authorities about 11 p.m. Oct. 30 to report a vehicle on
fire on the Louisiana 46 Extension, near the junction of the
Florissant/Delacroix highways, according to the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's
Office.

Campbell worked at several car body shops as a body and fender specialist
and spent much of his off time working on cars and racing them, often with
groups of fellow car enthusiasts, Pohlmann has said. The area where Campbell
was found is known for street racing.

Pohlmann said on Friday that a number of people have been questioned in the
case but no arrests have been made. Campbell had no criminal record.

It is the second homicide in the parish this year.

Special fliers from Crimestoppers with Campbell's photo, the facts of the
case and offering of a $2,500 reward for a tip leading to an arrest and
indictment have been placed throughout eastern St. Bernard. For a copy of
the flyer click here.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 504.822.1111 or
the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office at 504.271.2501. Callers may be
eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,500.