Crime
Lafayette LA high school student Alaya Christian killed in shooting during Mamou Mardi Gras concert
Two separate shootings at Mardi Gras concerts in Mamou have left two teenagers dead and 14 others wounded, authorities confirmed.
Among the victims killed was Alaya Christian, an honor student at Lafayette Renaissance Charter High School.
Christian was not only a high-achieving student but also a member of the school’s softball team and student council.
In a statement, school officials expressed their grief, saying she will be “deeply missed.”
The violence unfolded amid what was supposed to be a night of celebration.
On Fat Tuesday, a large crowd had gathered to enjoy the festivities when, within seconds, gunfire from a fully automatic weapon sent hundreds fleeing for their lives.
The shooting took place during a performance by zydeco musician Chris Ardoin, who later commented on the tragic events.
This latest incident follows another shooting that occurred on Monday, where three people were wounded in a separate act of violence at the festival.
Authorities are still investigating whether the two incidents are connected.
According to Mamou Police Chief Pat Hall, responding officers arrived at a chaotic scene, where they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
“When we all came up on the scene, the officers there, we saw several people injured.
Two individuals succumbed to their injuries, two remain in critical condition at Lafayette General, and the remaining victims are receiving medical treatment,” Chief Hall stated.
Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the motive behind the shootings, as well as potential suspects.
As of now, no arrests have been made.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Mamou Police Department or Evangeline Parish Crime Stoppers.
Crime
Victims Identified in Deadly Robeson County Mass Shooting
Two Dead, 13 Injured in Mass Shooting at Large Party in Robeson County, North Carolina
ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A late-night party in eastern North Carolina turned deadly early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted, leaving two people dead and 13 others injured, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins confirmed that deputies were called to the scene on Dixon Drive, just outside the town of Maxton, at approximately 3:00 a.m. following reports of a shooting at a large outdoor gathering attended by more than 150 people.
When deputies arrived, chaos had already unfolded — witnesses said over 150 individuals fled the area before law enforcement could secure the scene.
Authorities identified the deceased victims as Jessie Locklear and his son Nehemiah Locklear.
Several other victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment.
Sheriff Wilkins stated that, based on preliminary findings, the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the violence.
Detectives are working to determine the motive and identify all parties involved.
Authorities are urging anyone with information—or anyone who attended the gathering and witnessed the incident—to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Investigators at 910-671-3100.
“We know there were many people present when this occurred,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “If you saw something or know something, we need you to come forward to help bring justice to the victims and their families.”