Crime
7-year-old Diellon Daniels killed after shooting on Swan Avenue in Baton Rouge
The two younger siblings sustained serious injuries, with one reportedly undergoing surgery.
Baton Rouge, LA — A horrifying incident unfolded on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 27, when a car carrying a pregnant mother and her three young children was targeted in a shooting.
The attack left one child dead and two others hospitalized, sparking outrage and grief in the local community.
At approximately 2:00 p.m., Baton Rouge Police Department officers and emergency responders were dispatched to the 1000 block of Swan Avenue, near Scenic Highway, following reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, they discovered a Honda Accord that had been riddled with bullets and had crashed into a tree outside a local barbershop.
The driver, a pregnant mother, was unharmed. However, her three young sons, who were passengers in the vehicle, were all struck by gunfire.
Witnesses described the chaos as the shooting occurred. John Willis III, the owner of the barbershop where the vehicle crashed, recounted the terrifying moments.
“You could still hear the shots. Kids screaming, hollering. People running around with blood on them. It all happened so fast,” Willis said.
Investigators recovered approximately 60 shell casings from the scene, evidence of the brutal and indiscriminate nature of the attack.
The three children were rushed to the hospital. Family members later confirmed that the eldest boy, seven-year-old Diellon Daniels, succumbed to his injuries.
The two younger siblings sustained serious injuries, with one reportedly undergoing surgery.
The police have not yet disclosed the ages of the surviving boys.
Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse condemned the shooting as a deliberate and senseless act of violence.
“I hope that people are as mad as I am,” Chief Morse said. “There’s 20 or 30 shell casings in the street. This car was hit about that many times, but it’s not worth it.”
Willis, reflecting on the event, shared a chilling detail. Moments before the shooting, his daughter had asked if she and her friends could play outside.
“I told her no because they didn’t have any adult supervision. Good thing they didn’t go outside. That’s how close to home this hit,” Willis said.
Authorities are actively investigating the case but have not yet identified suspects or a motive. The incident has left the Baton Rouge community grieving and demanding justice for the innocent lives affected.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Baton Rouge Police Department or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.