Connect with us

Crime

Lafayette LA high school student Alaya Christian killed in shooting during Mamou Mardi Gras concert

Published

on

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

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 schoolโ€™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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

Crime

Matthew S. Stone Identified as Suspect in Erie Mass Shooting That Left Nine Dead

Published

on

Matthew S. Stone Reportedly Identified as Suspect in Erie Mass Shooting That Left Nine Dead 722 Perry Street
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

ERIE, Pa. โ€” Matthew S. Stone, also known as Matt Stone, has reportedly been identified as the suspected gunman in a deadly mass shooting at a residence on Perry Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, October 9, 2026.

The shooting reportedly claimed nine lives, including those of his daughter, Angelina Stone, and her two young children, according to information shared by family members and other reports.

Authorities responded to a residence at 722 Perry Street at approximately 5 p.m. after receiving emergency calls reporting gunfire.

The incident developed into an hours-long standoff before officers entered the home and found multiple victims.

The suspected shooter was also found dead inside the residence, reportedly from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Advertisement

The reported identification of Matthew S. Stone as the suspect has added another painful dimension to a tragedy that has devastated relatives, friends and the wider Erie community. However, the suspect’s identity and the reported family relationships should be treated as unconfirmed unless officially verified by law enforcement.

Angelina Stone, 24, her 5-year-old son, Isiah Hodges, and her nearly 2-year-old daughter, Amariโ€™anna, have reportedly been identified among those killed in the shooting.

Angelina Stone, 24, her 5-year-old son, Isiah Hodges, and her nearly 2-year-old daughter, Amariโ€™anna, have reportedly been identified among those killed in the shooting.

Family-shared information and a fundraising appeal described Angelina as pregnant and expecting a baby boy named Kyrie in the coming weeks. The reported deaths of Angelina and her children have left relatives and friends grieving the loss of a young mother and the children whose lives were cut short.

Information shared by family members reportedly identified Matthew S. Stone as Angelina’s father and the person responsible for killing her and her children. However, the information available for this report does not establish that police have officially confirmed the suspect’s identity, the family relationships or the allegations surrounding the deaths.

Lora Roberts, a mother of five and volunteer advocate for people experiencing homelessness, has also reportedly been identified as a victim.

Lora Roberts, a mother of five and volunteer advocate for people experiencing homelessness, has also reportedly been identified as a victim.

Roberts was known for her community service and was reportedly a former member of the board of directors of Community of Caring, an Erie nonprofit that provides food and shelter to people in need.

According to information shared about the incident, Roberts was reportedly attempting to help a family member escape when she was shot. Her reported death has left five children without their mother and loved ones mourning a woman remembered for her compassion and willingness to help others.

Advertisement

April Miles Pineiro shared a heartfelt tribute remembering Jonathan and Matthew Stone as close childhood friends who helped make her early years unforgettable.

Pineiro recalled meeting the brothers when they were children and quickly becoming part of a close group of neighborhood friends. They spent hours playing outdoors, including hide-and-seek games in which the boys sometimes wore a clown mask to scare their friends.

She remembered how the children continued spending time together through cold and snowy weather and how they walked to the school bus stop together when they learned they would attend the same school.

Pineiro also recalled Jonathan’s childhood crush on her and a memorable visit to a park when playful horseplay on a slide ended with both brothers falling. She described these memories with affection, emphasizing the lasting bond they shared.

In her tribute, Pineiro expressed heartbreak over the reported deaths and promised to cherish their memories.

โ€œI’ll love you ALWAYS AND FOREVER Matthew and Jonathan,โ€ she wrote.

Advertisement

Her words reflected the depth of the friendships and the profound grief being felt by those who knew the brothers.

According to reports, witnesses told investigators that a man fired a handgun outside the residence before entering the home. Two women were initially found dead in the street.

Erie police officers and the department’s SWAT team surrounded the property and attempted to persuade the man inside to surrender. Additional gunshots were reportedly heard while officers remained outside.

Police eventually entered the residence and discovered additional victims in different areas of the home, including children. The suspected shooter was found dead inside, reportedly with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities said there was no continuing threat to the public after the situation was contained.

Advertisement

Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the incident as devastating and deeply disturbing for the officers and investigators involved.

โ€œThe loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing,โ€ Lorah said.

Mayor Daria Devlin also expressed condolences to the victims’ families and everyone affected by the tragedy, calling it a terrible loss for the community.

The Erie County Coroner’s Office and police investigators remained at the scene late Friday to document evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Counseling was reportedly being made available to responding officers following the traumatic incident.

The reported deaths of Angelina Stone, her children, Lora Roberts and other victims have left families and friends facing an unimaginable loss.

Advertisement

Community members continue to share tributes, remembering the victims through stories of childhood friendships, family bonds and efforts to help others.

Authorities are working to establish the full sequence of events and confirm the identities and relationships of those involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional official information may clarify the reported identity of the suspected shooter and the circumstances leading to the deadly incident.


Continue Reading