Crime
11-year-old Samiya McClain and 50-year-old Ron Tate killed in Laplace likely “targeted” shooting
UPDATE: St. John Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre provided an update on the investigation into a devastating shooting incident that occurred in Laplace on Friday night, resulting in the deaths of an 11-year-old girl and a 50-year-old man.
Sheriff Tregre confirmed that the victims were related and released their names: 11-year-old Samiya McClain and 50-year-old Ron Tate.
Tate was the owner of the home on North Sugar Ridge Road where the shooting took place, and McClain was his niece.
The incident unfolded shortly before midnight as the family was preparing for a 3-year-old’s birthday party. While blowing up balloons, they were suddenly targeted by gunfire.
Surveillance footage captured an individual pulling up and firing multiple rounds into the home. At least a dozen bullets struck the house, tragically killing McClain and Tate.
A young woman inside the home was also injured but is expected to recover from a grazing wound.
Sheriff Tregre emphasized that the shooting was a targeted, planned attack and not a random act of violence. Evidence gathered so far supports this conclusion.
The St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Sergeant Vince Smith at 504-494-3696 or 985-359-8763. Citizens can also reach out to the St. John Sheriff’s Office directly.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
An 11-year-old girl and a 50-year-old man were fatally shot in a late-night incident in LaPlace, Louisiana.
The St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting at approximately 11:48 p.m. on Friday, October 4th, in the 1300 block of North Sugar Ridge Drive.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies discovered three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Two of the victims, the 11-year-old girl and the 50-year-old man, were transported to a local hospital but tragically succumbed to their injuries.
The third victim sustained a graze wound and is expected to recover.
Investigators are actively working to identify a suspect and determine the motive behind the shooting.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Vince Smith at 504-494-3639 or 985-359-8763.
Destiny Rachelle, the mother of Aubree Hitt, is pleading for help:
“I have no more words except, please—someone, anyone—help me find my baby.”
If you have any information, please call: 337-476-7267.
Aubree Hitt was taken by her biological father, Garrick Tyler Hitt, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, while she was on vacation in Mississippi with her grandmother.
Authorities are actively searching for her and urge the public to assist in locating her.
Last Known Details:
- Suspect: Garrick Tyler Hitt
- Accompanied by: Trinity Woods
- Location Last Seen: Lafayette, Louisiana, on March 8, 2025
- Vehicle Description: Louisiana Plate #X599812
- Concerns: Both individuals are convicted felons with severe addiction issues.
Case Numbers for Reference:
- CPSO Report #: 25-27397
- Sulphur Police Report #: 25/0308/0637
- DCFS Report Case #: 0001494886
Anyone with information about Aubree’s whereabouts or any sightings of Garrick Tyler Hitt and Trinity Woods is urged to contact local law enforcement immediately.
This is a time-sensitive case—your assistance can help bring Aubree home safely.