RIVER RIDGE, LA – A community in the Paradise Manor subdivision was left in shock and mourning after a tragic incident unfolded early Saturday morning. At approximately 4 a.m., a 13-year-old girl made a desperate call to 911, reporting that her father had opened fire on their family. The distressing events took place inside their home on Steven Drive, with deputies and detectives quickly arriving on the scene.
Upon entering the residence, law enforcement discovered the lifeless bodies of a 40-year-old mother and her 2-year-old daughter in the hallway. A 9-year-old girl was critically injured in the shooting, while the 13-year-old caller had been shot in the ankle but managed to make the emergency call. Sheriff Joe Lopinto described the situation as devastating, commending the bravery of the young girl who sought help despite her injuries.
The father, the suspected shooter, was located in a back bedroom. According to authorities, he brandished a firearm, prompting deputies to return fire, resulting in his death inside the home. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and investigators are working to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome.
Neighbors, stunned by the violence, are grappling with the reality of the situation. Tom Eaton, a local resident, shared that while he didn’t know the family well, his grandchildren often played with the older daughters who were involved in the incident. He described the neighborhood as typically peaceful, with children frequently playing outside.
As the investigation continues, Sheriff Lopinto noted that there were no prior calls for service at the family’s home, leaving many questions unanswered. The community is coming to terms with the loss and preparing for difficult conversations with their children and grandchildren about the incident.
Residents are reflecting on the tragedy, with one neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, expressing disbelief. He recalled the family as regular people who never showed signs of trouble. The neighborhood’s close-knit environment makes the incident all the more shocking and painful for those who knew the family.
The sheriff’s office is urging anyone with information to come forward as they seek to understand the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking event. The community is united in grief, hoping for answers and healing in the wake of this senseless act of violence.