In the early morning hours of July 8, 2014, the life of 38-year-old Lynedell Desilva, an African American male, was cut short in Kenner, Louisiana. Police responded to a call regarding a domestic disturbance at a residence on Kentucky Avenue around 2:30 a.m. Upon their arrival, they discovered Desilva had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. His wife, Melissa Desilva, was present at the scene and was attempting to provide aid to her husband.
The investigation that followed revealed a
history of domestic violence between the couple. On that particular night, an argument between Lynedell and Melissa Desilva had escalated into a physical altercation. According to police reports, Lynedell Desilva had armed himself with a gun, which led to a struggle. During the confrontation, Melissa Desilva managed to get her own weapon and shot her husband multiple times.
The couple's four children, who ranged in age from 4 to 14, were in the home at the time of the shooting. It was reported that the children had called 911 during the altercation and were still on the phone with the dispatcher when the shots were fired. They later disclosed to authorities that their parents had a history of domestic abuse, though no prior official reports had been filed. Following the incident, Melissa Desilva was not immediately charged with a crime. The case was handed over to the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's office to determine if any criminal charges would be pursued against her.
