Tragic Night in Shreveport: Two Fatal Shootings

Police lights shining on the scene of the tragic shootings in Shreveport.

News Summary

Shreveport faced a devastating night on December 27, with two separate shootings resulting in the deaths of two young cousins and an injured party-goer. The first incident occurred around 10:24 p.m. at the Cross Lake Apartments, where Tristavian and Jakeva Datcher were shot. Shortly after, another shooting erupted during a party in the Highland neighborhood, injuring a woman. Authorities have arrested three suspects in connection with the cousins’ deaths as the community grapples with ongoing violence.

Tragic Night in Shreveport: Two Fatal Shootings Rock the City

Shreveport, Louisiana, experienced a heartbreaking turn of events on December 27, as two separate shootings left the community in shock and mourning. The night began with a chilling incident that unfolded around 10:24 p.m. at the Cross Lake Apartments, located in the 5600 block of South Lakeshore Drive.

Details of the First Shooting

According to the Shreveport Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene shortly before 10:30 p.m., responding to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found two young men—Tristavian Datcher and Jakeva Datcher, both just 21 years old and cousins—suffering from gunshot wounds. The chilling details of the incident are slowly coming to light. After the shooting, the victims managed to drive to a nearby apartment complex in an SUV, but tragically, they couldn’t escape the gunfire that had claimed their lives.

Witnesses described a harrowing scene as a burnt orange car, possibly a Dodge Charger, pulled up just as the two cousins exited their vehicle. This marked the beginning of a barrage of bullets fired at the pair. Following the attack, Tristavian was rushed to Ochsner LSU Health Hospital, but despite doctors’ best efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at 11 p.m. Meanwhile, Jakeva was found in the backseat of the SUV and was pronounced dead shortly after at 10:36 p.m.

The autopsy results later confirmed the devastating news that both victims were shot at the same moment while parked in the complex’s parking lot. As the investigation unfolded, preliminary reports suggested that this tragic event may have been linked to a narcotics transaction taking place at the time of the shooting.

Arrests Made in Connection With First Shooting

In the aftermath, law enforcement quickly apprehended three suspects: Alissa Rodgers, aged 18, Rufus Anderson, 20, and Deaiviantae Davis, 21. They have been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and are currently detained at the Shreveport City Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings. The tragic deaths of Jakeva and Tristavian marked the 53rd and 54th homicides in Caddo Parish and the 50th and 51st in Shreveport for 2024, underscoring the ongoing violence issues plaguing the community.

The Second Shooting Incident

11 p.m., a chaotic scene unfolded in the 500 block of Robinson Place during a party in the city’s Highland neighborhood. According to reports, a heated argument broke out among party-goers, escalating the situation rapidly.

In an alarming turn of events, unknown suspects shot at the residence from the roadway, resulting in injuries to a woman who was struck in her upper right thigh. Fortunately, her injuries were non-life-threatening, and she was taken to a local hospital for treatment. However, the suspect remains at large, described only as wearing dark clothing and a ski mask, armed with what appeared to be a 7.62-caliber rifle or pistol.

Ongoing Investigation

The Shreveport Police Department continues to investigate both of these troubling incidents, with community members anxiously awaiting updates. The series of events points to a deep-seated concern regarding public safety and the need for proactive measures to combat violence in the area.

As Shreveport remains reeling from these tragic events, it’s a stark reminder of the challenges many cities face in the fight against gun violence and crime. Residents are left hoping for safer streets and a brighter future for their beloved community.