In the late hours of a Friday evening in Houma, Louisiana, a dispute between two men escalated into a fatal exchange of gunfire, leaving 49-year-old Ferron Michael Ruffin Sr. and another man dead. On August 28, 2026, shortly before 11 p.m., the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office responded to multiple reports of gunshots in the 4000 block of Southdown Mandalay Road. Upon their arrival, deputies discovered a grim scene in the driveway of a residence.
Deputies found both Ferron Michael Ruffin Sr., of Gibson, and 48-year-old Christopher Michael Prince Sr., also of Gibson, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Ruffin was pronounced dead at the scene, while Prince was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Tragically, Prince later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The initial investigation by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes Division indicated that the two men had been involved in an ongoing disturbance that culminated in the deadly shootout. Evidence recovered from the scene was consistent with this account of the events.
The investigation into the deaths of Ruffin and Prince remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to piece together the events that led to the fatal confrontation. At this time, no other suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made, as the evidence suggests the incident was a mutual exchange of gunfire between the two deceased men. Consequently, there have been no convictions or sentencing in this case. The overview of the case points to a tragic escalation of a personal conflict, resulting in the deaths of both individuals involved, leaving behind grieving families and a community grappling with the devastating consequences of violence.