Violent and Deadly Easter Weekend in Shreveport
Easter usually is a time for celebration. Families gather together to enjoy the company of each, celebrate rebirth and, if you're religious, celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead being crucified. Historically speaking, it's a happy time and a time for rejoice and revelry. However, this weekend in Shreveport, there was very little to celebrate as numerous people were shot and two lost their lives to senseless violence. Shreveport typically, per capita, is one of the most violent and deadliest cities in America. And that trend did not take a holiday break.
Friday night alone, there were two shootings in the city within 90 minutes of each other. One person died, 3 others were wounded. That's not good no matter how you look at it. However, Easter Sunday in the city was just as violent and just as deadly. One woman lost her life, another person is clinging to life and 3 others were wounded.
Sunday night, Easter Sunday, just before 9 pm a woman was killed in a fight on Hearne Avenue. According to police, two women were fighting. At some point during the altercation, the boyfriend of one of the women involved allegedly pulled out a gun and shot the victim dead. At this time, the alleged shooter remains at large.
Then, a few short hours later, a man was shot on Jefferson Paige around 11:30 pm. According to police, two men were goofing off with a handgun, the gun one off and shot one of the men involved. The man was shot in the chest and is reportedly clinging to life.
Then, in the wee hours of the morning (just before 1 am) two men were shot in the Mooretown neighborhood. While details are limited in this shooting, the victims were allegedly driving on Broadway Avenue when multiple shots rangout. Both victims suffered non-life threatening wounds and drove themselves to the hospital.
Then, finally, around 1:30 am there was a drive-by shooting on Milton Street. According to police, the victim was leaving his grandmother's house and was shot twice. Reports say that the victim was shot in the bicep and foot and was taken to the hospital by his cousin.
Shreveport Police are looking for leads and information in all these crimes. If you have information, you can call SPD at 318-673-7300 or call Caddo Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373.
I just can't wrap my head around the sudden uptick in violence in the city. Over the past few months, shootings and violence have erupted in Shreveport. And on Easter Weekend, a time typically meant for celebration, nearly a dozen people and their families have had their lives altered forever.