Crime
Lafayette LA high school student Alaya Christian killed in shooting during Mamou Mardi Gras concert
Two separate shootings at Mardi Gras concerts in Mamou have left two teenagers dead and 14 others wounded, authorities confirmed.
Among the victims killed was Alaya Christian, an honor student at Lafayette Renaissance Charter High School.
Christian was not only a high-achieving student but also a member of the school’s softball team and student council.
In a statement, school officials expressed their grief, saying she will be “deeply missed.”
The violence unfolded amid what was supposed to be a night of celebration.
On Fat Tuesday, a large crowd had gathered to enjoy the festivities when, within seconds, gunfire from a fully automatic weapon sent hundreds fleeing for their lives.
The shooting took place during a performance by zydeco musician Chris Ardoin, who later commented on the tragic events.
This latest incident follows another shooting that occurred on Monday, where three people were wounded in a separate act of violence at the festival.
Authorities are still investigating whether the two incidents are connected.
According to Mamou Police Chief Pat Hall, responding officers arrived at a chaotic scene, where they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
“When we all came up on the scene, the officers there, we saw several people injured.
Two individuals succumbed to their injuries, two remain in critical condition at Lafayette General, and the remaining victims are receiving medical treatment,” Chief Hall stated.
Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the motive behind the shootings, as well as potential suspects.
As of now, no arrests have been made.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Mamou Police Department or Evangeline Parish Crime Stoppers.
Midland, TX – Authorities responded to reports of a shooting incident at Soft Suds Car Wash, located at 4300 W Wadley Ave, Midland, TX, earlier today.
According to witness accounts, a physical altercation involving approximately seven individuals escalated into gunfire.
During the confrontation, at least one person brandished a firearm and discharged multiple rounds.
As the situation unfolded, an employee and a customer took cover while authorities were contacted.
Midland Police Department (MPD) officers arrived swiftly, but at least one individual involved in the incident fled the scene.
In response to the shooting, a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter was deployed to conduct an aerial search for the suspect(s), making multiple passes over the area before concluding its search operation.
As a precautionary measure, several nearby schools were placed on either lockdown or secure hold, ensuring the safety of students and staff while authorities assessed the situation.
At this time, Midland Police Department has not yet released an official statement confirming the details of the incident.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify all parties involved.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Midland Police Department at (432) 685-7108 or Crime Stoppers at (432) 694-TIPS (8477).