A Louisiana father was shot and killed in a shootout he had with a teenage boy who police say snuck in to the man’s home to see his 14-year-old daughter.
Zachary Police Chief David McDavid said the shooting happened around 8 a.m. Sunday, according to WBRZ.
Police initially described the incident as a reported break-in but later learned that the teenage suspect was there to see an underage girl. The shooting occurred as a result of the father confronting the teen boy after he snuck in.
“Zachary Police Department officers and East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office deputies are in the area of Hayfield Drive. There is no active threat to the public. This investigation is ongoing. Please avoid the area,” an initial police alert read.
Dezmon Hamilton, 34, the girl’s father and homeowner, died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the county coroner’s office. The suspect, identified by police as 17-year-old Nicholas Mcquirter, was also wounded in the encounter and taken to a hospital.
McDavid said officers believe the teen used a ladder to climb up to a second-story window, where he entered the home.
A confrontation unfolded after Hamilton found Mcquirter inside. The man and the teen shot one another during the encounter, according to police.
McDavid confirmed Monday that the suspect was at Hamilton’s home to see the victim’s 14-year-old daughter.
Both were armed, police said, but authorities are still investigating the shooting as it’s still unclear who fired the first shot.
Once the teen is released from the hospital, he is expected to be booked on charges of second-degree murder, illegal use of a weapon, and illegal possession of a stolen firearm.
The situation is sad all around. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
We’ll keep you posted on any updates.
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