SHREVEPORT, LA — A wave of grief and disbelief has engulfed the Shreveport community after the tragic and senseless killing of Sherita Layton, a 38-year-old woman known for her kind spirit, dedication to her family, and deep ties to her neighborhood. Layton was fatally shot in the early hours of Tuesday morning, July 29, 2025, on Pete Harris Drive, just west of downtown.
The incident occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m., when Shreveport Police were dispatched to the 1400 block of Pete Harris Drive in response to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered Layton suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Emergency responders rendered aid at the scene and transported her to Ochsner LSU Health, where she succumbed to her injuries a short time later.
A Life Taken Too Soon
Family members describe Sherita Layton as a devoted mother, loving daughter, and a pillar of strength for her loved ones. She was known to many in the community for her warmth, her laughter, and her willingness to lend a hand to those in need. Friends say she had just celebrated her 38th birthday earlier this month and was looking forward to enrolling her youngest son in the new school year.
“She was the type of person who made you feel like family, even if you’d only just met her,” said longtime friend Danielle Thomas. “She didn’t deserve this. None of this makes sense.”
Layton’s death has sparked a flood of tributes on social media, with residents expressing shock and anger at the violence that continues to plague parts of Shreveport. A growing memorial of candles, flowers, and handwritten notes now marks the spot where she was found.
Ongoing Investigation
Shreveport Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is actively investigating the shooting, and detectives are working to identify a suspect and determine a motive. As of Wednesday morning, no arrests have been made, and officials have not released specific details about the events leading up to the gunfire.
However, detectives believe Layton may have been targeted or caught in a dispute that escalated unexpectedly. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences is being reviewed, and police are urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area to come forward.
“We are determined to find the person or persons responsible for this heinous act,” said SPD spokesperson Sgt. Angie Willhite. “This community has lost someone irreplaceable, and we owe it to her family to bring them justice.”
A Community in Mourning
The neighborhood near Pete Harris Drive has been deeply impacted by gun violence in recent years, and Sherita Layton’s death has only intensified calls for intervention, accountability, and safety reforms.
City Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor, who represents the district where the shooting occurred, expressed her sorrow and solidarity with the family.
“This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for all of us,” she said. “Sherita was a daughter of Shreveport, and her life mattered. We must do more to protect our neighborhoods, and we must support the families torn apart by this kind of violence.”
A community vigil in Layton’s memory is being planned for Friday evening at a nearby church. Local advocacy groups, including Mothers Against Senseless Killings (MASK) Shreveport, are calling for a moment of silence citywide in honor of her life.
Seeking Justice
Sherita Layton leaves behind two children, including a teenage daughter and a young son, both of whom are now navigating life without their mother. Family members are calling on the public to assist investigators by sharing any information they may have.
If you have tips or video footage related to the shooting, you are encouraged to contact Shreveport Police at 318-673-7300, option 3, or submit anonymous information through Caddo Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373 or via the P3 Tips mobile app.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established by Layton’s family to help cover funeral costs and to support her children during this unimaginably difficult time.
As Shreveport mourns, one thing is clear: Sherita Layton’s life mattered, and her memory will not be forgotten. The community now waits, hoping for answers and for the day justice will be served.
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