In the late summer of 2016, a bright and promising life was tragically cut short in Prairieville, Louisiana. Seven-year-old Brooklynn Paige LeBlanc, a beloved daughter and honor student, was killed on August 14th in a devastating act of violence that also claimed the life of her mother. Brooklynn, a second-grader at Levi Milton Elementary in Walker, was known for her vibrant spirit and love for the outdoors, often found catching frogs and butterflies.
The grim discovery was made after a
neighbor reported hearing a gunshot from a residence on Oak Trace Road. When Ascension Parish Sheriff's deputies arrived, they found a scene of profound tragedy. Inside the home, Brooklynn and her 31-year-old mother, Lacey Lemoine LeBlanc, had been fatally shot. The investigation quickly pointed to a double murder-suicide orchestrated by Lacey's boyfriend.
The perpetrator was identified as 37-year-old Shawn Millet. Authorities determined that Millet had shot and killed both Brooklynn and her mother before turning the gun on himself. Millet was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his self-inflicted injuries. Further investigation into Millet's background revealed a troubling criminal history that included charges of domestic abuse battery and cruelty to juveniles.
The community was left to mourn the senseless loss of a young girl and her mother. No arrests were made as the sole suspect in the killings was deceased. Brooklynn was remembered for her charming and talented nature, a child who loved to dress up, dance, and create art. She was laid to rest, leaving behind a heartbroken family and a community scarred by the sudden and violent end to a young life full of potential.
