Shots ring out during annual Down Home Reunion festival

Published 11:06 am Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Police are looking for a 15-year-old male juvenile charged with attempted second-degree murder in the shooting of a Jennings man on Saturday during an event in a crowded city park.

Police Chief Danny Semmes said Monday the shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. Saturday during the annual Down Home Reunion at Marcus Cain Park, 510 Peters St.

Officers initially responded to a report of a fight near the restroom area of the park. Shots were reportedly fired before responding officers arrived at the scene, Semmes said.

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“When our officers arrived, they found a 25-year-old male subject who had been shot several times in the torso,” Semmes said.

Due to heavy traffic in the area as a result of the event and the severity of the victim’s injuries, officers transported the victim to the Ochsner American Legion Hospital in a police unit rather than wait for an ambulance, he said.

The victim was stabilized and later airlifted to a Lafayette hospital where he remained listed in stable condition on Monday, Semmes said.

No other injuries were reported.

Semmes said officers were able to locate several spent shell casings.

“Officers also began canvassing the area for witnesses, but had no luck in finding any witnesses,” he said, noting that “a very large crowd” estimated to be in the “hundreds” was in attendance.

Investigators were able to identify the suspect after reviewing body and dash cameras from units at the scene, he said.

Additional arrests are possible, Semmes said.

Police are asking the public that if they have video of the fight or the shooting that followed, or know any information about the incident, to anonymously contact the tip line at 337-275-9002.