A quiet evening in Simmesport, Louisiana, was shattered by gunfire on Thursday, January 2, 2025, leaving a young man dead and another wounded. James Campbell Jr., a 23-year-old male resident of Simmesport, was killed in the shooting which occurred at approximately 9:02 PM on Kermit Street. When first responders arrived at the scene, they discovered two male victims. James Campbell Jr.
was pronounced dead at the location, while the second victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.
The investigation into the tragic death of James Campbell Jr. was taken over by the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff's Office at the request of the Simmesport Police Department. Investigators have been working to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting. As part of their inquiry, Campbell's body was sent for an autopsy. The Sheriff's Office has urged anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. A family member described James as a 'wonderful child' and a 'child of God,' lamenting his death as a result of 'senseless gun violence.' Known to his friends and family as 'Bill,' he was remembered for his love of spending time with loved ones, riding horses, and his involvement in a group he and his friends started called 'Bayou Stunnas.'
Despite the ongoing investigation by the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff's Office and the public appeals for information, no arrests have been publicly announced in connection with the murder of James Campbell Jr. Details regarding any potential suspects or a motive for the shooting have not been released by law enforcement officials. The case remains an active homicide investigation, leaving a community and a grieving family searching for answers and justice.
