A heartbreaking and devastating tragedy unfolded in River Ridge, Louisiana, early Friday morning, leaving a community in shock and grief. Sheriff Joseph Lopinto of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) announced an ongoing investigation into a double homicide and a deputy-involved shooting, which resulted in the deaths of a 40-year-old mother and her 2-year-old child, as well as the suspect, the father of the victims.

Around 4:00 a.m., deputies responded to a 911 call from a child reporting multiple gunshot victims inside a residence on the 10000 block of Stephen Drive. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a harrowing scene. The adult female and the 2-year-old child were found unresponsive and suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.

Two additional juvenile females, ages 9 and 13, were found injured but alive. Both were transported to Children’s Hospital, where the 9-year-old remains in critical condition after undergoing surgery, while the 13-year-old sustained a gunshot wound to the ankle.

While securing the residence, deputies encountered an armed adult male suspect, later identified as the father of the juvenile victims, in a back bedroom. Deputies reported that the suspect brandished a firearm, prompting multiple officers to fire their service weapons. The suspect was struck multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary evidence indicates that the suspect shot all four victims before being confronted and fatally wounded by deputies. Sheriff Lopinto described the 911 call as critical to the rapid response and praised the child who called as “a brave little girl.”

The JPSO continues to investigate the incident, including the circumstances leading to the shootings and the actions of deputies at the scene. Sheriff Lopinto emphasized the gravity of the tragedy and assured the community that the investigation would be thorough and transparent.

As the investigation continues, the community remains in shock, grappling with the senseless violence that has shaken their lives. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims, and we hope that justice will be served in this tragic case.

_IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE INVESTIGATION_

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the double homicide and deputy-involved shooting. Deputies are reviewing security footage, interviewing witnesses, and processing the crime scene to piece together the events leading up to the shootings.

The JPSO is also conducting an internal investigation into the actions of the deputies involved in the shooting. Sheriff Lopinto has assured the community that the investigation will be thorough and transparent.

_COMMUNITY REACTION_

The community is reeling from this senseless act of violence, with many expressing shock and sadness at the loss of the mother and child. Friends and family have taken to social media to pay tribute to the victims, remembering them as kind and loving individuals.

“A beautiful mother and child were taken from us far too soon,” said a friend. “Our hearts are broken, and we will miss them dearly.”

A candlelight vigil is being planned for tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the River Ridge Community Park, to honor the memory of the mother and child.

As the investigation continues, the community remains in shock, grappling with the senseless violence that has shaken their lives. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims, and we hope that justice will be served in this tragic case.

_REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS_

The mother and child who lost their lives in this tragic incident will be deeply missed by their family and friends. They were kind and loving individuals who brought joy to those around them.

The mother was a devoted parent who loved her children dearly. She was a hard worker and provided for her family with kindness and generosity.

The 2-year-old child was a bright and curious individual who loved to explore the world around them. They were a precious gift to their family and will be deeply missed.

As the community comes together to mourn the loss of these two precious lives, we remember their kindness, love, and generosity. They will never be forgotten, and their memory will live on in our hearts.

_INVESTIGATION UPDATE_

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the double homicide and deputy-involved shooting. Deputies are following up on several leads and interviewing multiple witnesses to determine the circumstances surrounding the shootings.

The JPSO is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. If you have any information, please contact the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office at (504) 363-5500.

As the investigation continues, the community remains in shock, grappling with the senseless violence that has