Samiya McClain,Ron Tate Death; – The day following a tragic shooting that resulted in the deaths of a man and an 11-year-old girl in Laplace, St. John Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre provided an update regarding the ongoing investigation. He indicated that investigators suspect the shooting was “not random,” confirmed the familial relationship between the victims, and disclosed their identities.
Prior to the incident, Sheriff Tregre noted that investigators had discovered the family was in the midst of preparations for a birthday celebration for a 3-year-old at their residence on North Sugar Ridge Road, where they were inflating balloons.
Shortly before midnight on Friday, surveillance footage captured an individual arriving at the scene and opening fire on the home, discharging at least a dozen rounds. The man and the girl were struck by bullets and subsequently transported to the hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries shortly thereafter. Additionally, a bullet grazed a young woman inside the residence, who was also taken to the hospital and is anticipated to make a full recovery.
Sheriff Tregre stated that, based on the evidence collected thus far, investigators believe this incident was a “targeted, planned attack” rather than a random act of violence. On Saturday, he identified the victims as 11-year-old Samiya McClain and 50-year-old Ron Tate, confirming that Tate was the homeowner and that McClain was his niece.
The gunfire also struck “multiple” vehicles in the vicinity, including one belonging to Maryann Wancket, a neighbor who awoke to find her rear window shattered. “My neighbor told me to look, and my window was shot out,” she recounted.
As of Saturday, no suspects have been identified. The St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office is appealing to anyone with information to reach out to Det. Sgt. Vince Smith at 504-494-3696 or 985-359-8763. Citizens may also contact the St. John Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.
