Jermaine Treyvon “Trey” James, an 18-year-old male, tragically lost his life on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, following a shooting that occurred two days prior. The events leading to his death began after a graduation celebration at the Gonzales Civic Center, which was followed by a large gathering at a Waffle House on Highway 30 in Ascension Parish.
An altercation at the restaurant preceded the deadly encounter on Interstate 10.
In the early morning hours of June 8, 2025, as two vehicles traveled westbound on I-10 between the Gonzales and Prairieville exits, occupants of one vehicle opened fire on the other. Gunfire was returned from the targeted vehicle. The exchange of fire resulted in three individuals being shot. After exiting the interstate, the occupants of the targeted vehicle called for emergency assistance and were transported to a local hospital. Jermaine James was one of two victims initially listed in critical condition. Another victim, 20-year-old Dantrell Gibbs of Donaldsonville, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A third individual sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.
The investigation into the shooting led to the arrests of three suspects. Jakiryn Johnson, 19, was the first to be taken into custody. Subsequently, authorities arrested 17-year-old Kavis Octave Jr. and 18-year-old Taron Parker, both of Gonzales. All three suspects are facing multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder. Additional charges include illegal use of weapons, assault by drive-by shooting, and aggravated damage to property. Following the death of Jermaine James, the charges against Jakiryn Johnson were expected to be upgraded to include a second count of first-degree murder.
