A Florida man has been arrested for the alleged killing of his roommate and best friend in what police describe as a shocking and deliberate act, despite his claim that the death occurred during “play-fighting.”
Details of the Incident
Elisha Christopher Landry, 28, was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder in the death of 34-year-old Shaun Allen Hennigh. The shooting occurred on April 17, 2026, at a residence on Tangerine Avenue South in Gulfport, Florida.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Landry allegedly shot Hennigh in the back of the head in the garage. After the shooting, he reportedly waited over four hours before calling 911, despite neighbours hearing the gunshot at 12:32 a.m.
Conflicting Statements
Landry provided police with multiple, contradictory explanations. He first claimed the two men had been “smoking a cigarette” together and later said Hennigh accidentally shot himself during “play-fighting.” At one point, he denied Hennigh had grabbed the gun from his holster, but later refused to explain how it went off.
Forensic evidence and crime scene analysis reportedly contradicted Landry’s statements. Investigators noted minimal blood on Landry’s clothing, despite the massive blood pool from Hennigh’s head wound, and signs that Hennigh’s body had been moved from outside into the garage.
Scene Evidence and Delay in Reporting
Investigators also discovered that Landry’s mother, a licensed nurse, was present in the home during the hours between the shooting and the 911 call. Landry did not seek her assistance for the injured Hennigh. Blood smears and manipulation of the scene suggest Landry attempted to cover up the crime.
Text messages recovered from Hennigh’s phone indicated a history of volatile arguments between the roommates, often over finances. Landry had previously evicted Hennigh temporarily over unpaid bills.
Autopsy Findings and Legal Status
An autopsy confirmed Hennigh’s death was a homicide caused by a single gunshot to the back of the head at intermediate range. Landry remains in custody at the Pinellas County Jail without bond, and no court date has been publicly announced.
This case underscores the tragic consequences of domestic disputes escalating into fatal violence, even between close friends and roommates.
