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 schoolโs 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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. โ Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.