In the predawn hours of a Thursday in New Iberia, Louisiana, a scene of camaraderie outside a mobile home on Buckeye Street was violently shattered. It was October 1, 2020, when a man approached a group of people and unleashed a spray of bullets into the crowd. Among those gathered was Bryson Charles, a 24-year-old male from Jeanerette. The sudden eruption of gunfire, which occurred around 2 a.m., left a devastating toll.
Five individuals were struck by the gunfire in the chaotic moments
that followed. While four of the victims sustained injuries, Bryson Charles's wounds proved to be fatal. His life was abruptly ended in an act of violence that sent ripples of fear and grief through the community. The New Iberia Police Department was tasked with piecing together the events of that tragic morning and bringing the person or persons responsible to justice.
The investigation into the shooting that claimed the life of Bryson Charles and wounded four others continued for several weeks. Then, on October 27, 2020, a significant development was announced. The New Iberia Police Department arrested 20-year-old Amiri Benoit in connection with the incident. Benoit was charged with one count of first-degree murder for the death of Bryson Charles. In addition to the murder charge, he also faced charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault with a firearm. Following his arrest, Benoit was incarcerated at the Iberia Parish Jail. At the time, law enforcement officials stated that their investigation remained active and that further arrests were possible.
