Cathy Watson, 41, was shot on May 28, 2022 in Baton Rouge. Her fiancé, Gerald Smith, 31, was arrested on June 1 for her murder.
Smith initially told officials it was an accidental shooting where Watson ended up shooting herself in the head. She was rushed to a hospital but did not survive.
The East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office ruled her death a homicide though. Since then, BRPD officers have learned Smith & Watson got into an argument the night of the shooting. It started as a verbal argument that turned physical at a laundromat on Greenwell St.
Watson was a mom who had a son & a daughter.
Her friends said she had a grandson, who she adored.
The 41-yr-old worked at Dempsey’s in Prarieville until it closed & moved to the Coursey location.
“She was a hard worker, great listener, soft spoken & kind,” said Watson’s friend. “She met her killer at Dempsey’s. He was a cook there. Like so many, they dated, he moved in with Cathy, her daughter & grandson. It didn’t take long for his true colors to show. She grew scared of him but couldn’t get rid of him. She lived in fear but was always smiling. She longed to be loved. My thought was, she felt he was better than no one.”
Smith was arrested and charged with second degree murder, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities & domestic abuse battery.
My Aunt Cathy has 2 daughters, a son and a grandson. Everything else was on point perfect!