RIVER RIDGE, LA – In a tragic turn of events, a quiet neighborhood was rocked by a shooting incident early Saturday morning. Residents of the Paradise Manor subdivision awoke to the sight of law enforcement officers lining their streets, investigating a harrowing scene on Steven Drive.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that a 13-year-old girl made a frantic 911 call around 4 a.m., claiming her father had unleashed gunfire inside their home. The young girl, who bravely reached out for help, had suffered a gunshot wound to her ankle. Upon arrival, deputies were met with a devastating scene: a 40-year-old mother and her two-year-old daughter were found deceased in a hallway. Another child, aged nine, was critically injured in the attack.
Sheriff Joe Lopinto expressed his sorrow, describing the situation as “devastating.” He commended the young girl for her courage in calling for help despite her injuries. As deputies proceeded inside the home, they encountered the armed father in a back bedroom. The confrontation ended with deputies shooting and killing the man after he presented a firearm.
Neighbors expressed their shock and disbelief at the tragedy. Tom Eaton, a nearby resident, shared that although he did not know the family well, his grandchildren often played with the older daughters who were involved in the incident. “It’s unbelievable,” Eaton stated, recounting the close-knit interactions among the neighborhood children.
The community is now grappling with the reality of explaining the incident to their children. One anonymous resident mentioned his grandchild was playing with the victims just the night before the shooting. “You never expect something like this,” he said, reflecting on the unexpected nature of the tragedy.
Sheriff Lopinto noted that the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. He assured the public that there were no prior calls for service at the residence, leaving many to question what led to such a violent outbreak.
As the investigation continues, the neighborhood is left to mourn and make sense of the senseless loss. Residents remember the family as regular people who participated in community events, decorating their home for holidays and engaging with neighbors. The sheriff’s office is committed to uncovering any factors that might have contributed to this heartbreaking incident.