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???????: Attempted 2nd Degree Murder
Possession of a Firearm by a
Convicted Felon
Possession of a Stolen Firearm
Illegal Use of Dangerous
Instrumentalities
Obstruction of Justice
On the morning of Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at approximately 7:30 am, officers with the Morgan City Police Department responded to the area of Grizzaffi Street regarding a report of a shooting.
Officers arrived and located a victim that had suffered a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to an out of area medical facility for treatment where they remain in critical condition. The name of the victim is being withheld at this time.
According to reports, Cortez Francois was quickly identified as the suspect involved in the investigation. After the shooting occurred, Cortez allegedly fled the area on foot.
Officers with the Morgan City Police Department and deputies with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office canvased the area in an attempt to locate Cortez.
At the time, Wyandotte Elementary was placed on a lock down as the school day was just beginning with officers being in position at the school for security purposes.
While canvassing the area, a deputy with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office located Cortez behind a set of storage sheds in the area of East Blvd. Cortez was taken into custody and identified as the sole suspect in the investigation.
A search of the area from where Cortez fled produced a firearm that is believed to be the gun that was used in the shooting. The firearm was found to be stolen.
Reports indicate that Cortez and the victim were in a vehicle together when the victim was shot. Cortez was identified as the individual that allegedly shot the victim before fleeing.
Cortez was found to be a convicted felon prohibiting him from possessing a firearm. Evidence was uncovered that while fleeing the area, Cortez allegedly hid the gun that was believed to be used in the crime.
Warrants were prepared for Cortez’s arrest and he was booked into the Morgan City Jail where he now awaits court proceedings. The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to contact the Morgan City Police Department Detectives Division at 985-380-4605.