NEW ORLEANS — A 15-year-old is dead after a shooting outside of the Bogalusa homecoming football game on Friday night, according to the Bogalusa Police Department.
Officers were drawn to a reported disturbance outside the stadium, when shots were subsequently fired.
The crowd immediately scattered and police located the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
The victim was treated by first responders and was treated by First Responders but never regained consciousness. He was taken to the hospital where he would be pronounced dead.
According to the initial investigation by Bogalusa police, 18 to 20 fired rounds were found at the scene. Investigators determined that the victim had been exchanging gunfire with at least two other people.
"The Lumberjack homecoming game was interrupted by another tragic and senseless shooting. The shooting occurred outside of the stadium. We had a strong police presence and they quickly took control of the situation," said Bogalusa Mayor Wendy Perrette.
The gunshots were fired during the fourth quarter and officials called the game early.
"Tonight was supposed to be about celebrating everything positive in our City. These young guys have worked super hard to instill pride in our community and I’m angered by the actions of cowards. I never thought I would be getting on the ground with my two-month-old son at a football game due to a shooting. I’m praying for the safety of our students, our first responders, the victim(s), and everyone in attendance. My prayer tonight is that those responsible will be held accountable," Bogalusa mayoral candidate Tyrin Truong said. "We heard a gunshot and we thought it was a firework. We know the other team had fireworks and we just started to hear a bunch back-to-back so everybody in the stadium got on the ground."
Bogalusa School Board Superintendent Lisa Tanner released the following statement on the shooting:
"It is with complete disbelief and sadness that I write this letter this morning after the Bogalusa High School Homecoming game last night. As many may know, shots were fired outside of our football stadium with 4:07 minutes left on the clock, The police presence at the game was heavy and they reacted quickly. Our administration, faculty, and staff reacted immediately and our students, fans, and visitors were safe.
This horrific act of violence occurred after a wonderful homecoming week that the BHS administration, staff, and students worked hard to provide for our school and community. All week we could feel and see the excitement, with glimpses of years past where the pride was once again evident in our community and stadium. It is heartbreaking that all of this ended with violence outside of our stadium.
Please remember that our students, coaches, players, band, cheerleaders, Paper Dolls, JROTC, flags, faculty, administration, and staff worked tirelessly to have a safe spectacular homecoming. This act of violence occurred outside of our game, and had nothing to do with our awesome fans and students.
Thank you to our fans who have supported our Lumberjacks this season. I pray that your support will continue in the days to come; our students deserve and need that. Thank you to the first responders, the Bogalusa Police Department and the Washington Parish Sheriff department for their quick and timely response when this incident occurred.
I pray that in the coming days we can find peace and can once again return to that spot that we all hold so dear to us without hesitation or worry. Our students deserve that. Please continue to pray for our administration, faculty, staff, and students as we move forward and the family of the victim whose life was taken so tragically."
As a result of this shooting, Bogalusa High School has postponed their homecoming dance, originally scheduled for Saturday night. Jewel Sumner High School, Bogalusa's opponent in the game, announced on Facebook that all of their students and families are safe.
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