Crime
Shooting death of couple Carlus Isaiah and Michaela Isaiah inside Florence home were murder-suicide
A 48-year-old man and his 37-year-old wife were discovered deceased inside their Florence home on Friday, according to Coroner Keith von Lutcken.
The couple, identified as Carlus Lachuan Isaiah and Michaela Marche Isaiah, were found during a welfare check conducted by local authorities.
Autopsies for both are scheduled to take place on Wednesday at the Medical University of South Carolina to determine the cause of death.
While details surrounding their deaths remain unclear, neighbors have expressed shock and shared fond memories of the Isaiahs.
One neighbor, who worked with Carlus Isaiah professionally for many years, described him as a kind and pleasant individual.
Another neighbor shared that she bonded with the Isaiahs over their mutual interest in a specific breed of dog, adding that her interactions with the couple were always positive.
Both neighbors requested to remain anonymous.
As of Monday, Florence police have not disclosed further information regarding the circumstances of the couple’s deaths or the findings of their ongoing investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of the situation to come forward as they work to piece together the events leading up to the tragic discovery.
Crime
River Ridge man kills wife, 2-year-old before Jefferson Parish deputies kill him
Sheriff Lopinto described the 911 call as critical to the rapid response and praised the child who called as “a brave little girl.”
Sheriff Joseph Lopinto of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) announced an ongoing investigation into a tragic incident involving a double homicide and a deputy-involved shooting early Friday morning in River Ridge, Louisiana.
Around 4:00 a.m., deputies responded to a 911 call from a child reporting multiple gunshot victims inside a residence on the 10000 block of Stephen Drive.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered a harrowing scene.
An adult female and a 2-year-old child were found unresponsive and suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.
Two additional juvenile females, ages 9 and 13, were found injured but alive.
Both were transported to Children’s Hospital.
The 9-year-old remains in critical condition after undergoing surgery, while the 13-year-old sustained a gunshot wound to the ankle.
While securing the residence, deputies encountered an armed adult male suspect, later identified as the father of the juvenile victims, in a back bedroom.
Deputies reported that the suspect brandished a firearm, prompting multiple officers to fire their service weapons.
The suspect was struck multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary evidence indicates that the suspect shot all four victims before being confronted and fatally wounded by deputies.
Sheriff Lopinto described the 911 call as critical to the rapid response and praised the child who called as “a brave little girl.”
- Deceased:
- 40-year-old mother.
- 2-year-old child.
- Suspect (father).
- Injured:
- 9-year-old child (critical condition).
- 13-year-old child (non-life-threatening injuries).
The JPSO continues to investigate the incident, including the circumstances leading to the shootings and the actions of deputies at the scene.
Sheriff Lopinto emphasized the gravity of the tragedy and assured the community that the investigation would be thorough and transparent.
No further details are available at this time. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.