Crime
Man killed his 1-year-old child then shot himself in St. James Parish
A tragic case of murder-suicide involving a father and his one-year-old child unfolded Wednesday afternoon in Convent, Louisiana, according to Louisiana State Police.
The situation began in St. James Parish shortly after 2 p.m. when deputies from the St. James Sheriff’s Office were called to a residence in Paulina.
A request had been made for a deputy to stand by as a man was expected to arrive at the home to collect his belongings. However, the man never showed up, according to a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office.
Around 4 p.m., deputies returned to the residence after a second call.
This time, a woman at the location asked officers to conduct a welfare check on the man and their child, who were believed to be traveling together in an unknown area.
Investigators then traced the vehicle to Ascension Parish.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Gonzales Police Department and the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, located the vehicle and pursued it back into St. James Parish.
When the vehicle was stopped, officers discovered the driver, a 23-year-old man, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Tragically, his infant child was also found in the vehicle, deceased from a gunshot wound.
The father was rushed to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries, Louisiana State Police confirmed.
The identities of both the father and child have not yet been released.
The Louisiana State Police is leading the investigation, with assistance from the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Crime
17-Year-Old Javohn Pitts Critically Injured in Accidental Shooting During FaceTime Call in Elsmere, Kentucky
A 17-year-old teenager, identified as Javohn Pitts, remains in critical condition after being shot in the head during an incident involving a handgun at a residence in Elsmere, Kentucky, on Saturday. Police say the shooting appears to have occurred while two juveniles were showing the firearm to others during a FaceTime call.
The incident prompted an emergency response in Northern Kentucky and left the teenager with potentially life-threatening injuries. He was transported by helicopter to a Cincinnati hospital, where he continues to receive medical treatment.
According to the Elsmere Police Department, officers were dispatched to a reported shooting in the 100 block of Garvey Avenue early Saturday afternoon.
When first responders arrived, they found Javohn Pitts suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, emergency personnel arranged for him to be airlifted to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Pitts remains hospitalized in critical condition, according to the information provided by police. Authorities have not released further details about his medical condition or prognosis.
During their investigation, police recovered a 9mm handgun from the residence.
Investigators believe the shooting happened while Pitts and another juvenile, who was acquainted with him, were displaying the handgun to other people during a FaceTime call. At some point during the incident, the firearm discharged, striking Pitts in the head.
Although the incident is being described as an apparent accidental shooting, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discharge and the events leading up to it.
A juvenile suspect was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident. Police reported that the suspect was acquainted with Pitts and has been charged with second-degree assault with a deadly weapon.
Because the individual is a juvenile, authorities have not publicly released the suspect’s identity.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information about the incident may be released as authorities continue reviewing the evidence.
Police are asking anyone who may have information about the shooting to contact the Kenton County Emergency Communication Center at 859-356-3191 or the Elsmere Police Department at 859-474-4785.
Information from witnesses or anyone familiar with the circumstances may help investigators establish a clearer account of what happened inside the Garvey Avenue residence.
At just 17 years old, Javohn Pitts is facing a serious medical battle following the shooting. His critical condition has left those who care about him hoping for positive news as he receives treatment.
The incident is also a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with handling firearms, particularly when a weapon is displayed or handled without proper safety precautions. A firearm can discharge unexpectedly, with consequences that may permanently change lives.
As the investigation continues, thoughts remain with Javohn Pitts, his family, and everyone hoping for his recovery. May he receive the care and support he needs during this difficult time.