FERRIDAY — Authorities did a little fishing for evidence in the Saturday murder on Alabama Street in Ferriday and were able to recover the rifle they believe was used in the killing, Ferriday Assistant Police Chief Johnny Evans said.

Evans said the .223-caliber assault rifle was recovered from Black Bayou Wednesday.

“We received information that (the weapon) might be in the bayou and Wildlife and Fisheries agents were about to get in there with poles and fish it out.”

Ferriday police responded to reports of a shooting at 10:23 p.m. Saturday and found Reginald Green, 25, dead in a Chevrolet SUV. The vehicle was parked in front of 803 Alabama Ave.

The victim was shot repeatedly in the torso, head and mouth and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Evans said the initial investigation indicated that three other people were in the vehicle at the time of the shooting, but were not injured.

Two arrests have been made in connection with the murder, but the investigation is ongoing.

Bryant LaKeith Bethley, 35, was arrested early Sunday morning and charged with first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder and parole violation.

Derrick Dewayne Bates, 29, was charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder because he was at the Clayton residence where Bethley was arrested. He was reportedly hiding when police arrived.

Evans said the investigation into the murder is ongoing.