A late-night drive in LaPlace ended in deadly violence on Friday when St. John the Baptist Parish deputies found a man shot behind the wheel of a vehicle near the intersection of Williamsburg Drive and Bedford Drive. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Sheriff’s Office has opened a homicide investigation. According to WDSU, the victim was identified as Jackie Dempsey of Baton Rouge. Deputies discovered Dempsey inside the vehicle at the intersection and confirmed he died from a gunshot wound.
What investigators say
The St. John Parish Sheriff's Office reported that deputies were dispatched to the area at about 9:35 p.m. Friday. Investigators said that “the evidence collected shows this was a targeted attack,” and detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division are leading the case. They have been canvassing the neighborhood, looking for witnesses and any surveillance footage that might show what happened before or after the shooting.
Recent violence in LaPlace
The killing lands on top of a string of high-profile shootings in St. John Parish in recent months and is likely to deepen local concern over gun violence. A LaPlace teen's fatal shooting earlier this year drew intense public attention and led to arrests, increasing pressure on detectives to move quickly when new cases like this emerge.
How to help investigators
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Tipsters can call the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS, reach the Criminal Investigations Division (Major Brandon Barlow) at 504-494-2674, or contact Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111. These reporting options were shared with the public and media, according to WDSU.
