Officers continue to investigate a shooting that left several juveniles injured the evening of April 17, 2021 during a 12-year-old child’s birthday party in LaPlace.
At 8:37 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of Golfview Drive in reference to shots fired in the area. Upon arrival, officers learned multiple people were shot when verbal confrontations during a child’s birthday party led to gunfire.
Through further investigation, officers discovered nine juveniles were injured. Of the nine, seven were treated at a local hospital and released. Two remain in the hospital in stable condition.
Those injured were a 17-year-old male shot in the arm; a 16-year-old male grazed in the ribs; a 15-year-old male with a graze wound to the ankle; a 15-year-old male shot in the foot; a 14-year-old male shot in the leg; a 13-year-old male shot in the leg; and a 12-year-old shot in both legs.
A 16-year-old male shot in the stomach and a 14-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the head remain in the hospital.
Officers believe more than 60 young people were gathered at the party, and two groups of male juveniles with an ongoing feud met up at the house, began arguing and gunfire broke out. Officers have determined two guns were fired.
No arrests have been made.
Despite there being several witnesses at the party, Sheriff Mike Tregre said no one has come forward with information.
“Not one person has given a formal statement,” Sheriff Tregre said. “I am asking witnesses to come forward with information to help us learn more about what happened.”
Anyone with information about this shooting is encouraged to call the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS, Juvenile Detective Ann Taylor at 985-359-8765 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111. Callers do not have to give their name or testify to be eligible for the up to a $2,500 reward from Crimestoppers.
Citizens can also submit tips on the Sheriff’s Office website at https://proto.stjohnsheriff.org/submitatip.php.
(985) 652-9513
info@stjohnsheriff.org
