In the late summer of 2022, the life of 15-year-old Jairen 'Jai' Cole was tragically cut short. A native of Thibodaux, Louisiana, and a resident of Napoleonville, Jairen was the victim of a fatal shooting on Saturday, September 10, 2022.
That evening, Thibodaux Police were called to a residence in the 1700 block of South Barbier Avenue. Inside the home, they discovered Jairen suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his lower torso.
He was initially transported to Thibodaux Regional Health System before being transferred to University Medical Center in New Orleans. Despite medical efforts, Jairen succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation that followed led to the apprehension of three individuals. The first arrest was a 15-year-old male, who was charged with second-degree murder. Shortly after, a second, younger suspect, a 12-year-old, was taken into custody and charged with being a principal to second-degree murder. Both juveniles were held at the Lafourche Parish Juvenile Justice Facility.
Later that month, the investigation culminated in a third arrest. 39-year-old Talisha Duncan was apprehended and booked on one count of accessory after the fact to second-degree murder. Her bond was set at $150,000. The community mourned the loss of the young man, with family and friends gathering for a candlelight vigil to celebrate his life and call for an end to the violence that claimed him.
