St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating a shooting in LaPlace on Monday (Dec. 23, 2024) that has left the possible shooters, both men, in critical condition.
Evidence from the on-going investigation indicates that the men, identified as 22-year-old Marius White of LaPlace and Jaron Robinson, 20, of Hammond, shot each other following a dispute.
Investigators learned that Robinson and another man, Terrance James, both from the Hammond area, drove to LaPlace on Monday to meet with White in the 2100 block of Van Arpel Drive. White got into James’ pickup truck where gunfire was exchanged.
The St. John Sheriff’s Office responded to the 2100 block of Van Arpel Drive around 3:40 p.m. Monday after receiving reports of gunfire. Shortly afterwards two people arrived separately by private vehicles at the LaPlace Ochsner Medical Facility suffering from gunshot wounds.
During the course of the investigation, detectives interviewed and later arrested 23-year-old Terrence James and a second man, Judah Coleman, 19, of LaPlace who is believed to be a friend of White.
Investigators have recovered five firearms, two of which are “ghost guns,” meaning they don’t have visible serial numbers.
Coleman was booked with possession of an unidentifiable firearm (felony) – 2 counts. James was booked with possession of firearm/carry concealed weapon by convicted felon (felony)-2 counts and violation of probation/parole. Both are being held in the parish jail.
The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sgt. B. Smith with the St. John Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 504-494-3696. Citizens can also submit tips on the Sheriff’s Office website at https://stjohnsheriff.org/crime-arrests/crime-tips/give-us-a-general-crime-tip/ Or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.