Ascension Parish, LA —Ascension Parish, Louisiana — A quiet Saturday afternoon in the peaceful community of Modeste was shattered by tragedy as deputies with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a deadly incident that has now been confirmed as a homicide. The incident, which occurred late Saturday afternoon, has left one man dead and a tight-knit neighborhood in grief and disbelief.
According to Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre, the Violent Crimes Unit has launched an active investigation into the fatal shooting, which unfolded in the heart of the rural Modeste area, nestled along the Mississippi River on the east bank of the parish. Emergency dispatchers received reports of gunfire just after 5:30 p.m., prompting deputies and first responders to rush to the scene.
The Scene and Initial Response
Deputies arrived at the location — a residential property off Highway 405, near a cluster of homes surrounded by sugar cane fields — to find a male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Life-saving efforts were immediately initiated by emergency medical personnel, but the victim was tragically pronounced dead on the scene.
The identity of the victim has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. However, authorities confirmed that he was a local resident and known to members of the Modeste community. Multiple shell casings were recovered at the scene, and a visible perimeter was established as crime scene investigators processed the area for evidence.
Witnesses reported hearing several loud gunshots followed by the sound of a vehicle speeding away. As of Sunday morning, investigators have not publicly confirmed any suspects or motive, but they have stated that the act does not appear to be random.
Sheriff Bobby Webre: “We Will Find Who Is Responsible”
In a press release issued Saturday night, Sheriff Bobby Webre addressed the public, saying:
“This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence in a community where these kinds of things just don’t happen often. Our detectives are working around the clock to identify and arrest the individual or individuals responsible for this tragedy. We are committed to getting answers for the victim’s family and ensuring justice is served.”
He also urged anyone with information to come forward:
“We know someone out there saw something or knows something. Even the smallest detail could help bring resolution to this case.”
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking members of the public who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the Modeste area between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. to contact the APSOCrimeTips line at 225-621-4636 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 225-344-STOP (7867).
Community in Shock
News of the homicide has sent shockwaves through Modeste, a historically quiet, rural community where neighbors often know one another and violent crime is rare. Friends, neighbors, and local church members gathered near the scene Saturday evening in disbelief, many offering prayers and comfort to one another as deputies continued their investigation late into the night.
“This is not something you expect here,” said Reverend Calvin Brown, a local pastor who came to support the victim’s family. “We are a small, close community. We work hard, we take care of each other, and we don’t want violence like this to define who we are.”
Social media tributes began appearing shortly after news of the homicide broke, with many expressing condolences and urging an end to violence. Several residents have called for a community vigil to honor the life lost and show support for the grieving family.
Ongoing Investigation
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office has not yet released specific details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. It is unclear whether the victim knew the perpetrator, or if the incident was the result of a dispute or broader criminal activity. Detectives are currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby properties and speaking with potential witnesses.
Authorities are also working to determine whether the shooting may be connected to any recent incidents in the area or if it was an isolated act. Sheriff Webre confirmed that additional patrols would be assigned to the community in the coming days to ensure residents feel safe and supported.
What’s Next
As the investigation continues, Ascension Parish authorities have pledged transparency and regular updates. A forensic autopsy will be conducted by the Louisiana Forensic Center in the coming days to officially determine the cause and manner of death.
In the meantime, the Modeste community is grappling with the sudden loss of one of their own. Residents are leaning on each other for strength and looking to law enforcement to bring answers and accountability.
The sheriff’s office encourages everyone to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office urges the community to stay informed through official channels and avoid spreading rumors or misinformation.
If you have information that could aid this investigation, please call the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office at (225) 621-4636 or submit tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 225-344-STOP.
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