In the small community of Larose, Louisiana, a life was tragically cut short on a Saturday night in late October. Morris 'Lil Mo' Joseph Charpentier, III, a 17-year-old male, died on October 22, 2016, from a gunshot wound. At the time of his death, Charpentier was a junior at South Lafourche High School where he was a member of the JROTC. He was known for his love of football and the time he spent with his younger brother.
On that fateful evening, deputies from the Lafourche Parish
Sheriff's Office were called to a residence on East Avenue C around 11:30 p.m. following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered Charpentier's body. The investigation that followed revealed a gathering of several young people at Charpentier's home. It was during this gathering that a handgun became the center of a tragic accident.
According to authorities, another 17-year-old, Dejon Caine, was handling the firearm when it discharged, striking Charpentier in the upper torso. In the immediate aftermath, panic ensued, and Caine, along with others present, fled the scene. However, Caine later cooperated with investigators and admitted his involvement in the incident.
Following his confession, Dejon Caine was taken into custody and transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux. He was booked on a charge of negligent homicide. A bond for Caine was set at $100,000. The incident served as a grim reminder of the potential consequences when firearms are treated as toys.
