Crime
Christopher Marquees arrested and charged with the murder of 15-year-old Maquan Sam in Ville Platte
Marquees is currently being held on a $75,000 bond.
A tragic shooting incident occurred early Thursday morning in Ville Platte, Louisiana, resulting in the death of a 15-year-old Maquan Sam.
Christopher Marquees, 31, has been arrested and charged with negligent homicide in connection with the shooting.
Ville Platte Police responded to a call about the incident at a residence on N. Morein Street.
Upon arrival, they found the teenage victim deceased.
Marquees is currently being held on a $75,000 bond.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Ville Platte Police Department at 337-363-1316.
Ville Platte High School has shared a heartfelt tribute, mourning the loss of their beloved student, Maquan Sam. Known affectionately as “Quan,” Maquan brought joy to the campus with his radiant smile and warm heart, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. As we navigate this challenging time, we find comfort in his spirit, the friendships he formed, and the memories he leaves behind. Our deepest condolences go out to Maquan’s family, friends, and everyone touched by this loss. He will be dearly missed, forever loved, and always remembered in our hearts. Long Live Quan.
Crime
One Dead, One Injured in Apparent Self-Defense Shooting Outside Cali Rose 15 Kitchen in Lakeland
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, at approximately 9:31 p.m., officers with the Lakeland Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at Cali Rose 15 Kitchen, formerly known as Rush Hour Bar & Grill, located at 1323 Ariana Street in Lakeland.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that two individuals—identified as Jesse Banks, 28, of Lakeland, and Nicholas Lue, 26, of West Palm Beach—had sustained gunshot wounds.
Both men were transported to Lakeland Regional Health for emergency treatment.
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Banks was pronounced deceased.
Lue was stabilized and remains hospitalized in recovery.
Preliminary findings from witness interviews and physical evidence at the scene indicate that the incident began as a verbal altercation between Banks, Lue, and another individual, identified as Tre D’Shon Huntly, 24, of Lakeland.
The confrontation occurred just outside the restaurant’s front entrance.
According to investigators, the dispute escalated when Banks physically struck Huntly in the head.
At that moment, a male standing just inside the business opened the front door in defense of Huntly.
Banks and Lue then allegedly turned their aggression toward this second individual, producing a firearm and pointing it at him.
In response, Huntly drew a handgun and discharged several rounds, striking both Banks and Lue.
A handgun was later recovered from Banks at the scene.
Huntly remained at the location and fully cooperated with detectives during the investigation.
Based on the information available, it appears Huntly acted in self-defense.
No criminal charges have been filed at this time.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is urged to contact Detective Neal Robertson at 863-834-6971 or via email at neal.robertson@lakelandgov.net.