THIBODAUX, La. — Within three seconds of gunfire, seven individuals were shot and two others wounded at a Thibodaux graduation party on Sunday, according to a press conference by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office Monday afternoon.
They are all expected to survive.
Sheriff Craig Webre said the incident unfolded at a street party in the 300 block of Hyland Drive in Thibodaux on Sunday.
Those in attendance said the party was being held to celebrate a birthday and graduation.
"Birthday party, graduation party, fun, nice, we always give fun, nice parties here," said Sam Pharagood whose family was hosting the birthday and graduation party in the Marydale community.
Sheriff Webre estimated at least 400 people ended up gathering on the block.
"Oh it had a lot, it had a lot," Pharagood said.
Then around 9:30, the shots rang out from inside the crowd.
"We were dancing, having fun and all of a sudden we heard gunshots. Just out the blue, out the blue so everybody started running," Pharagood said.
Freddie Coleman who lives on the street was in bed when his 26-year-old grandson ran inside.
"He come inside said, 'I'm shot, Pawpaw, I'm shot.'" Coleman said
He was shot in the shoulder.
"His mama said he's doing alright as far as she know," Coleman said.
According to Sheriff Webre, five women and two men were shot ranging in age from 17 to 25. Two more women were injured running in the crowd.
Sheriff Webre believes there were at least two shooters with two weapons. Twelve casings and a handgun were recovered from the scene. The gun has DNA evidence and was sent to ATF for forensic analysis.
Sheriff Webre said they do not know a motive yet.
"There's also a strong belief they could be people who have some issues, some beef, some disagreement and that’s how they choose to handle their disagreement," Sheriff Webre said.
All but one of the victims have been released from the hospital. They are all expected to survive.
"That’s only by the grace of God because that reckless behavior of a person who was armed with a weapon, going into a large crowd and firing is almost always going to produce casualties," Sheriff Webre said.
A man in his early 20s who didn't want to be identified said he was shot in the arm.
"They just stitched me up good and said I could get discharged," he said.
He's thankful his injuries aren't worse.
"Still alive," he said.
Currently, LPSO does not have any suspects or motives currently but they do have evidence and possible leads, such as shell casings recovered from the scene and DNA evidence present on one of the firearms used.
The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are asking anyone with information on this incident to submit a tip anonymously through Bayou Region Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStoppersBR.org, or through the Bayou Tips app on mobile devices.
Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.
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