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.
MUSKEGON, Mich. — Police are actively searching for the suspect responsible for a deadly shooting that left two people dead and three others injured, including a young child, inside a Muskegon home on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities identified the two victims who died as 25-year-old Josh Fondren Jr. and 22-year-old Cori May, according to the Muskegon Police Department.
Investigators initially withheld the victims’ identities pending family notification.
The shooting occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. inside a residence near the intersection of Jackson Avenue and McLaren Street.
Officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving multiple reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, they discovered several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Fondren was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cori May and two additional 25-year-old men were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
May later succumbed to her injuries, while the two men remained in critical condition as of Saturday evening.
A 4-year-old child was also injured during the incident.
Police said the child’s injuries were minor, and the child was expected to be released from the hospital.
Muskegon Police Chief Tim Kozal confirmed that the suspect fled the scene before officers arrived.
As of the latest update, no arrests have been made.
While the investigation remains ongoing, Kozal stated that the shooting does not appear to be a random act, and officials do not believe there is an immediate threat to the broader public.
In response to the recent surge of violence, Muskegon Mayor Ken Johnson issued a statement late Saturday night addressing the tragic impact on the community.
“Our community has been shaken by tragedies this week, with the apparent murder of Thomas ‘Tommy’ Stewart in his home in the 1400 block of Jiroch Street on Monday, and then Saturday’s mass shooting in a home in the 600 block of Jackson Avenue,” Johnson said.
The mayor urged residents with any information to come forward and also called for unity during this difficult time.
“Meanwhile, let’s hold the victims, their families, our neighbors, and all the first responders and medical professionals in our hearts, prayers, and thoughts,” Johnson said. “May our community come together in care for one another, as we navigate these traumatic events, and in pursuit of justice.”
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact:
- Muskegon Police Department: 231-724-6750
- Silent Observer (anonymous tips): 231-722-7463
The investigation remains underway.