Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Emphatic Message on Crime and Plea to Gun Owners

SHREVEPORT, La.

In a sobering message to the community, James E. Stewart, Sr., Caddo Parish District Attorney, called attention to the interconnection between education, crime, and stolen guns. Striking a hard tone, he also pleaded with gun owners to secure their firearms responsibly.

The message came amidst a sharp rise in crime rates and was underscored by two recent high-profile cases involving local teenagers.

Reflecting on Juvenile Crime

Stewart referenced the tragic case of teenager Ikerryunt’a Stewart, who recently pleaded guilty to manslaughter and eight counts of attempted second-degree murder in connection to a shocking shootout on September 4, 2021. The event occurred on the interaction of Youree Dive and Bert Kouns, with bullets reaching as far as the WK Pierremont Hospital.

Another teenager, Ja’shun Smith, was also sentenced to life imprisonment, reflecting the hardships of youth violence in our society. Both cases revealed how young individuals are tied to crime, often due to a lack of parental supervision and exposure to gun violence.

Justice, Education, and Crime

Pointing to the underlying issues fostering crime, the Advocate newspaper highlighted the problem of “floaters” – individuals who are institutionally detached. These are typically teenagers not in school, not employed, not actively seeking work, and not participating in community organizations.

The lack of these connections, the newspaper suggested, often makes individuals vulnerable to crime. An LSU professor called for strengthening bonds to society, particularly schools and jobs, as a proven way to prevent crime and guide young individuals towards a healthier path.

On Stolen Guns and Crime

In a study reported by the Dallas Morning News, it was found that the rate of guns stolen from cars has tripled over the last decade, highlighting the grave risk posed by this source of stolen firearms finding their way to the streets. The concerning trend casts a spotlight on the urgent need for responsible firearm ownership and safe storage.

An Appeal to Gun Owners

The District Attorney passionately appealed to gun owners to keep their weapons securely locked away and out of the reach of children or potential robbers, pressing on the importance of this seemingly small step in the larger fight against crime.

Stewart further called on schools and community leaders to invest in ways to engage young people socially, providing opportunities for positive activities like sports and extra-curricular, to better help these teens and young adults steer clear from the path of crime.

As the city continues to grapple with crime and gun violence, the plea is a resounding call for everyone to contribute to the safety, well-being, and prosperous future of their communities.

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