In the early morning hours of Friday, March 27, 2026, the life of 22-year-old Douglas Roberson, a Black male from Coushatta, Louisiana, was tragically cut short. At approximately 2:54 a.m., officers from the Natchitoches Police Department responded to reports of a gunshot victim in the 3800 block of University Parkway. Upon their arrival, they discovered Roberson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical aid was rendered at the scene by the responding officers while they
awaited the arrival of additional first responders. Despite their efforts to save him, the Natchitoches Parish Coroner's Office pronounced Roberson deceased at the location of the shooting. The initial reports did not indicate a motive for the attack.
The Natchitoches Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation into Roberson's death. Detectives secured the area and began a thorough search for evidence, speaking with several witnesses who were present in the vicinity at the time of the incident. Both digital and physical evidence were collected from the scene and sent to a crime lab for further analysis.
As of the initial reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the case to come forward and contact the Natchitoches Police Department at 352-8101 or Detective Davanta Stevenson at 357-3817. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Natchitoches Crime Stoppers. The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office and the Northwestern State University Police Department are assisting in the investigation.
