A months-long homicide investigation in Hammond has led to the arrest of a 19-year-old in a deadly February drive-by that killed an 18-year-old on the I-55 northbound entrance ramp at University Avenue, near Southeastern Louisiana University. Detectives say the case is far from closed and they are still working to identify additional people they believe were involved.
Arrest And Charge
Tangipahoa Parish deputies said 19-year-old DeAlvin Davis was booked on one count of accessory to second-degree murder. Davis was already in jail on unrelated charges when investigators added the new count late last month, according to WDSU. Prosecutors are expected to review the case as detectives continue gathering evidence.
What Happened On The Ramp
The shooting unfolded around 2 a.m. on February 22, when two vehicles pulled over on the I-55 northbound on-ramp to exchange an item, according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office. A third car drove past and opened fire on the stopped vehicles.
Deputies found 18-year-old Ravell Javion Steptoe suffering from a gunshot wound. He later died, the sheriff's office said. Steptoe had been driving a black sedan, and a relative was in a blue Ford Mustang that was also hit in the barrage of gunfire.
Investigators Seek Tips
Detectives say they still have limited information about the shooter, the vehicle involved or a possible motive. They are asking anyone who saw or heard anything to contact Detective Webb at 985-748-3332 or the TPSO Criminal Investigations Office at 985-902-2088, or to share anonymous tips with Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245 or through its website, per WDSU. Tips submitted through Crime Stoppers may qualify for a cash reward.
Accused's Past Arrests
Local coverage shows Davis was among six people arrested after shootings that disrupted the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival in April 2025, an earlier case that involved search warrants and multiple charges, according to WBRZ. That sweep highlighted how many armed-incident cases Tangipahoa detectives have juggled in the past year. Investigators say evidence from previous probes is being reviewed alongside the current case.
Next Steps
Authorities emphasized that Davis is charged with accessory to second-degree murder and that a charge is not the same as a conviction. The case will move through the local court system, the sheriff's office said in its release via the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office. Statements from prosecutors or defense representatives were not immediately available.
TPSO said its homicide detectives are still actively working to track down any additional suspects believed to have played a role in the on-ramp shooting and again urged anyone with information to step forward.
