On a late Saturday night in Opelousas, Louisiana, the life of 24-year-old Kendrick Lewis was tragically cut short. The male victim was shot and killed on December 28, 2024, after he stepped outside to mediate a dispute. The altercation began when a group of women arrived to confront guests at a neighboring home. Lewis, who was visiting his mother, went outside to ask the group to leave the property when gunfire erupted, and he was caught in the crossfire.
The St.
Landry Parish Sheriff's Office responded to the shooting on Honey Lane, where they found Lewis receiving CPR. Deputies took over life-saving measures until emergency medical services arrived. Lewis was then airlifted to a local hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The investigation that followed led to the identification of several suspects.
Authorities identified Marques Sonnier, 18, as the suspected gunman. Also implicated in the crime were Joshua Ladarin Savoy Lastrapes, 39, and Jasana Crystalin Amir Broussard, 17, along with two juvenile brothers, 16-year-old Drake Pickney, Jr., and 15-year-old Drakelyn Pickney. Within weeks of the shooting, all five suspects were in custody, with some turning themselves in to deputies.
The charges against the suspects vary. Sonnier and Drake Pickney, Jr. face charges of second-degree murder, illegal use of weapons, and aggravated criminal damage to property, among other offenses. Lastrapes, Broussard, and Drakelyn Pickney face charges including accessory after the fact to second-degree murder and inciting a felony. While a motive has not been officially disclosed, investigators have indicated that they have physical evidence linking the trio of initial suspects to the attack.
