A wave of violence has struck the Acadiana region, leaving three people dead and four others wounded in just four days. Local authorities and community members are grappling with the alarming increase in shootings, prompting discussions about potential correlations with the summer heat.
The Jeanerette Police Assistant Chief, Dusty Vallot, expressed frustration with the disturbing trend that coincided with a heatwave in the area.
"We do the best of our ability to prevent these things from happening, but we can't stop them," Vallot said. "We can try to minimize them, but it's virtually impossible to stop them because we are called, the incidents had already taken place."
The violence spread to Eunice and Lafayette as well, with both cities experiencing double shootings.
Beginning in Lafayette, where deputies in Mississippi apprehended Justin Weber for the murder of Randall Duplechin at the 200 block of Leonie Street. Weber is currently being extradited back to Lafayette to face charges.
Also in Lafayette, Irvin Gant was arrested for attempted murder. Authorities reported that Gant initially threatened to shoot someone and later returned to the 100 block of Vieux Orleans Circle to carry out his threat. Fortunately, the intended victim was unharmed.
In Eunice, another murder within this short timeframe occurred when two men in a car were shot near the Acadiana Medical Center. Delridge Robinson, the driver, sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head, while the passenger was taken to the hospital for treatment. That scene is being investigated by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office.
"The hospital then called us and said that someone picked him up. Shortly thereafter, Eunice Police Department got another call that they had a shooting at Crestview and Tamaran Apartments," Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux said. "It was some injuries. Our detectives are working together with the Eunice Police Department and connected the case that it is going to be a joint investigation."
During the second shooting incident in Eunice, Dedric Vigers was shot in the leg while riding in a car. Lakesha Vigers also suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. This incident occurred outside the city limits, east of Eunice.
Opelousas experienced a drive-by shooting targeting a house at the 1300 block of Henry Street. Thankfully, no one was injured. Authorities are now seeking the public's help in locating a silver car used by the shooters.
Concluding the violent heatwave, the Louisiana State Police have launched an investigation into a suspect being shot by the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office at Louisiana Highway 13 at Junction Road near Ville Platte.
The community remains on edge as law enforcement agencies collaborate to address the surge in gun violence in Acadiana. Concerns are growing, and local authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of residents during this challenging time.
