The Opelousas Police Department has made several arrest regarding the January 4, 2023
shooting that occurred in the 1200 Blk. of Margie Place just after 8:00 PM.
During the course of the investigation investigators learned that the shooting was a result of a planned robbery. Astonishingly the crime was planned and perpetrated by all minor age offenders.
The victim allegedly came into contact with a minor age female perpetrator through a social media exchange and met the victim at a residence in the 600 Blk. W. Martin Luther King Dr. where the
victim was allegedly beaten and held at gunpoint. The victim was then forcefully taken from that
location in his own vehicle in an attempt to make the victim get money from his home as demanded by the suspects.
The victim was shot after he attempted to flee from the suspects into a home of a friend. The suspects recklessly fired into the home striking the victim once in the abdomen. The suspect’s then fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle.
The vehicle was located the next day abandoned approximately 1.6 miles from the scene of the shooting.
The violent and brazen nature of this crime should caution everyone to be weary of contacts made with
individuals solely through social media. (5) minor age suspects were involved in this crime, (4) males and (1) female. This situation could have turned out tragically worse but thankfully the victim did not sustain any life threatening injuries.
This investigation was greatly aided by information that was received from concerned citizens and family members of the victim. The Opelousas Department depends heavily on the community to help in our efforts to rid the streets of violent crime. All suspects will be charged with the following:
- Aggravated Kidnapping
- Aggravated Battery
- Attempted first Degree Murder
- Armed Robbery
- Illegal Possession of a handgun by a juvenile.
(3) of the five suspects involved have been taken into custody with (2) more arrest expected in
the upcoming days. Three of the offenders have been incarcerated in juvenile holding facilities
pending hearings in the juvenile courts. The Opelousas Police Department and it’s officers are
committed to reducing violent crime in our community and will work tirelessly to get these
violent offenders off our streets.
Opelousas Police ask anyone with any information related to this shooting or any other crime to
contact the Opelousas Police Department at 337-948-2500, crimetips@opelousaspd.com or through Crime Stoppers (337-948-TIPS, www.stlandrycrimestoppers.com or by using the P3 mobile App.)
Tipsters can remain anonymous. Tipsters can receive up to a $1000.00 cash reward.
