Three dead and several injured after Memorial Day weekend in Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (BRPROUD) — Summer has arrived in the city of Baton Rouge, but crime has taken over, leaving many injured and some dead this past Memorial Day weekend.

On Friday, May 24, a shooting occurred in the 5000 block of Chalet Drive in Baton Rouge. According to Baton Rouge police, 20-year-old Robert Mooney was arrested after being charged with the premeditated murder of 22-year-old Walter Jackson. That same night, police responded to another shooting around 8 p.m. in the 16500 block of Starboard Drive in Baton Rouge that left one person dead and two injured. According to police, 45-year-old Jerrold Henderson is wanted by police on suspicion of killing 36-year-old Terrell James Williams.

More gunfire occurred Sunday morning when BRPD responded to the 300 block of Riverlon Avenue. Authorities confirmed that 27-year-old Leonel Valey-Morales died from a gunshot wound and another victim was taken to the hospital. Shootings occurred again that night, this time in the 3500 block of Wenonah Street. BRPD said one person was found with gunshot wounds and non-life-threatening injuries and there was no suspect.

Officials say the summer heat is a major cause of the area’s rising crime rate. To help put an end to the violence, Mayor Sharon Weston Broome, along with Safe Hopeful Healthy and BREC, hosted the first “Summer of Hope” event at Liberty Lagoon on Sunday. However, at around 6 p.m., more violence broke out. A video circulated showing an altercation between Broome police and several teenagers, during which one person was arrested.

Mayor Sharon Weston Broome issued a statement regarding the incident at Liberty Lagoon.

“I want to thank all of the well-meaning youth and community members who attended our Liberty Lagoon Block Party event. The unfortunate behavior of a small group highlights the urgent need for initiatives like Summer of Hope. With over 200 events planned, our goal is to create spaces for violence intervention and promote peace in our community. Thanks to vigilant police monitoring at the event, we were able to intervene quickly and effectively. We are committed to reviewing and improving our safety plans for future events to ensure the well-being of all participants. Additionally, we are committed to engaging our youth and families at all levels and fostering a stronger, more connected community. This incident will not deter us from our mission to build a safer, more united Baton Rouge.”

Mayor Sharon Weston-Broome

Baton Rouge Police Department Chief Thomas Morse Jr. also issued a statement following the incident.

“The Baton Rouge Police Department is aware of a video circulating that captures the events of yesterday’s event at Liberty Lagoon. We would like to thank the public for bringing to our attention their concerns regarding one of the arrests. An internal review of last night’s entire event, including the specific arrest from the recording, has already begun. Chief Morse is committed to transparency in the ongoing investigation and will work diligently to provide updates and release body cam video. We will work diligently to keep the public informed and release the appropriate videos as quickly as possible. Please stay connected to our website and social media platforms for new information regarding this investigation.”

Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr.

While many were looking to continue Memorial Day festivities, BRPD is investigating a reported shooting in the 1800 block of N. 15 Street that left one person hospitalized in critical condition. Details on the motive and identity of the victim have not yet been released.

All shootings and incidents remain under investigation.

The number of murders has risen rapidly since the beginning of the year, and many authorities expect the number to continue to rise as the summer approaches. Anyone with information related to an investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (225)344-7867.

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