A fight broke out at a 12-year-old’s birthday party before the shooting broke out, injuring nine teenagers and juveniles.
What We Know:
- The incident occurred on Saturday, April 17th, at 8:37 pm. Officers received a call to reports gunfire 28 miles west of New Orleans. Authorities discovered that multiple people had been shot over an alleged verbal confrontation. Seven victims have been released from the hospital so far, and the other two are still hospitalized in stable condition.
- The ages of the victims range from 12 to 17 years old. An estimated 60 young individuals were present at the party. Authorities were not able to obtain any formal statements from witnesses. There haven’t been any arrests made in connection with the shooting, but officers have determined that two guns were fired.
- St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office is offering a $2,500 reward for leads to any suspects. A 16-year-old shot in the stomach and a 14-year-old shot in the head both remain in the hospital. Sheriff Mike Tregre commented on the incident and lack of witnesses.
“Not one person has given a formal statement. I am asking witnesses to come forward with information to help us learn more about what happened,” he stated.
- Officers continue to investigate a shooting that left several juveniles injured despite having next to no evidence. Investigators believe an argument between two groups of young males sparked the shooting. Sheriff Tregre began his career in 1988 with St. John Sheriff’s office as a jailor. He completed training at FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He was elected Sheriff of St. John Parish in October 2011.
As of late, no other details have been disclosed, and an investigation is currently ongoing.