Crime
Two Arrested in Connection with Triple Homicide in Baton Rouge
The victims, Shelita Vallery (40), David Celestine (62), and Paul Lewis (63), were fatally shot.
Two individuals have been charged in connection with a triple homicide that occurred on Friday, September 27th, in the area of Benson Avenue and Grayson Avenue in Baton Rouge.
According to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, the shooting took place around 11 p.m. The victims, Shelita Vallery (40), David Celestine (62), and Paul Lewis (63), were fatally shot. Celestine and Lewis were relatives of Vallery.
The suspects, Dominik Franklin (19) and Tyrone Eackles (19), were also injured during the incident and will be booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison upon their release from the hospital. Franklin faces three counts of first-degree murder, while Eackles is charged with three counts of principal to first-degree murder and illegal use of a firearm.
Deputies believe that Franklin was the shooter and that Eackles was his accomplice. The shooting is believed to be the result of an ongoing feud between Franklin and the Vallery family.
According to authorities, the suspects arrived at a home on Grayson Avenue and became involved in a physical altercation with the victims. The altercation escalated into gunfire, resulting in the deaths of the three victims. One of the victims is believed to have returned fire, injuring both suspects.
The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing.
SAN ANTONIO, TX — Two San Antonio police officers were shot during an incident on the city’s West Side Wednesday morning, according to Police Chief William McManus. The suspected gunman is also reported to be down.
The shooting occurred shortly after 8:30 a.m. in the 6800 block of U.S. Highway 90 westbound, near Military Drive, in the parking area of the Travelodge Motel.
Multiple emergency medical units were dispatched to the scene following reports of officers injured by gunfire.
When officers responded to the location, an exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in both officers being struck.
The suspect was also shot during the confrontation.
The conditions of the officers have not yet been released, and it remains unclear how severe their injuries are.
The access road along U.S. Highway 90 westbound has been closed as police secure the area and conduct a full investigation.
A large law enforcement presence, including tactical and crime scene units, remains on site.
Chief McManus confirmed that additional details will be provided during a scheduled press briefing later today, as investigators work to determine the events leading up to the shooting and whether any additional suspects were involved.
Residents are urged to avoid the area as the investigation remains active.