Crime
11-year-old Samiya McClain and 50-year-old Ron Tate killed in Laplace likely “targeted” shooting
UPDATE: St. John Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre provided an update on the investigation into a devastating shooting incident that occurred in Laplace on Friday night, resulting in the deaths of an 11-year-old girl and a 50-year-old man.
Sheriff Tregre confirmed that the victims were related and released their names: 11-year-old Samiya McClain and 50-year-old Ron Tate.
Tate was the owner of the home on North Sugar Ridge Road where the shooting took place, and McClain was his niece.
The incident unfolded shortly before midnight as the family was preparing for a 3-year-old’s birthday party. While blowing up balloons, they were suddenly targeted by gunfire.
Surveillance footage captured an individual pulling up and firing multiple rounds into the home. At least a dozen bullets struck the house, tragically killing McClain and Tate.
A young woman inside the home was also injured but is expected to recover from a grazing wound.
Sheriff Tregre emphasized that the shooting was a targeted, planned attack and not a random act of violence. Evidence gathered so far supports this conclusion.
The St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Sergeant Vince Smith at 504-494-3696 or 985-359-8763. Citizens can also reach out to the St. John Sheriff’s Office directly.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
An 11-year-old girl and a 50-year-old man were fatally shot in a late-night incident in LaPlace, Louisiana.
The St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting at approximately 11:48 p.m. on Friday, October 4th, in the 1300 block of North Sugar Ridge Drive.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies discovered three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Two of the victims, the 11-year-old girl and the 50-year-old man, were transported to a local hospital but tragically succumbed to their injuries.
The third victim sustained a graze wound and is expected to recover.
Investigators are actively working to identify a suspect and determine the motive behind the shooting.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Vince Smith at 504-494-3639 or 985-359-8763.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.