On a tragic evening in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the life of 19-year-old LaRome Ridley was cut short by gunfire. On May 12, 2021, Ridley, a young man known to his loved ones as 'Dookie,' was standing outside on Ridgeside Road with his 25-year-old brother, DeQuan Paris, when an unknown assailant or assailants began shooting at them. The sudden eruption of violence left both brothers and a third individual, a 29-year-old man, with gunshot wounds.
Emergency services were quick to respond, and
Ridley was rushed to a local hospital in a desperate attempt to save his life. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he succumbed to his injuries. His brother, DeQuan Paris, was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting. The third victim survived the attack. The Chattanooga Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit immediately launched an investigation into the double homicide, canvassing the area and appealing to the public for any information that might lead to the apprehension of those responsible.
In the days following the shooting, the community mourned the loss of the two brothers. Ridley was remembered as a 2019 graduate of Central High School and an employee at Bojangles. The investigation into the deaths of LaRome Ridley and DeQuan Paris has remained active, yet no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been announced in connection with the case. The Chattanooga Police Department continues to seek information from the public, hoping to bring closure to the family and justice for the victims of this senseless act of violence.
