On the evening of February 12, 2022, at 7:22 P.M., the Morgan City Police Department was summoned to a residence in the 2200 block of Maple St. in Morgan City after receiving a complaint of a victim who had suffered a gunshot. Officers arrived to discover that an 11-year-old male juvenile had been critically injured. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful. Unfortunately, the juvenile was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators discovered that several juveniles inside the residence gained access to a weapon. During the incident, and through evidence obtained, it was determined that a second juvenile, 14 years of age, took possession of the weapon, loaded the weapon, and during the following moments discharged the weapon, tragically taking the life of the victim. The 14-year-old male juvenile, a resident of Morgan City, Louisiana, was detained. He was eventually arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Illegal Use of a Dangerous Instrumentality. The juvenile was transferred to a juvenile facility pending a hearing before a magistrate.
Chief James F. Blair and the Morgan City Police Department released a statement saying, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this tragedy. Join us in extending our grief; However, irresponsible social media speculation and hurtful comments only compound the sorrow that these families must endure. A family must deal with the tragic death of a child while others are beginning to deal with the aftermath. Chief Blair urges parents to survey their homes to determine that every step possible is taken to ensure that their homes are safe for their families and children. Nothing can be taken for granted. Detectives of the Morgan City Police Department are continuing their investigation. If anyone has any information that may aid investigators, we ask that they contact the Morgan City Police Department Detective’s Division at (985) 380-4605.”