Metairie - One man is in jail and another is still on the run in what Jefferson investigators say was a drug related break-in and murder in Metairie.

JPSO

Mark Sonnier, left, was arrested and police are searching for Joseph Cammatte, right.

According to detectives, the two men broke into a home at 1033 Focis Street shortly before 7 p.m., Thursday. They entered through a back door and one of the men had a gun.

Investigators say once inside, the intruders beat the 60-year-old owner Ronald Graci and a visitor, 34-year-old Jose Martinez of Kingsville, Texas.

"During the course of the event, they began striking the victims multiple times with what we believe may have been a table lamp, causing their injuries," said JPSO spokesman Col. John Fortunato.

Graci was treated and released, Martinez died at East Jefferson Hospital.

Friday, deputies arrested 43-year-old Mark Sonnier of New Orleans. They're still looking for the second suspect, who police identified as Joseph Cammette, 30, New Orleans, Police said Cammette has prior arrests for burglary, narcotics and theft.

Sheriff deputies want neighbors to know that this was not a random act of violence and that the victims were targeted for the crime.

"All of the finding that we've had thus far, this is a classic example of what we believe to be a drug rip because of the drug overtones found inside of this home as well as the prior criminal history of the victim," said Fortunato.

Investigators found drug paraphernalia and narcotics inside the home. They also say the owner has an extensive criminal record for drugs and burglary and admitted to being a heroin user.

Sonnier also has a long rap sheet for drugs and weapons.

The crime is more than a little unsettling for people who live in this normally quiet neighborhood off of Veterans Highway.

"The whole area has changed," said Lamar Hooks. "I don't know what's brought all this about, but it seems like the people have lost their minds."

"Basically this for many, many years has been not a serious crime neighborhood," said Luis Mendez. "Now thing have changed, changed for the worse."

Deputies say there was a 44-year-old woman in the house at the time of the attack, but she was able to escape.

Jefferson Parish investigators say if you have any information about this murder, call JPSO detectives at (504) 364-5300.