Devonte Keon Jenkins, a 22-year-old mother of two young sons, is remembered by her loved ones in Church Point, Louisiana. Born on December 23, 2003, Devonte was a beloved mother to Jace Keon Wilridge and Dekari Zyaire Wilridge. She was part of a large, close-knit family, including her mother, Connie Vallier, and her siblings, Christopher Pitre Jr., Joshua Lewis, Javion Lewis, Kaden LeBlue, Kyron Haggar, and Christiyana Pitre.
Her obituary paints a picture of a life deeply connected to family, listing numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who survived her, as well as many who preceded her in death, illustrating a family that has known both love and loss.
On the evening of Tuesday, October 13, 2026, tragedy struck the small city of Church Point. Around 8 p.m., a shooting was reported on South Broadway Street. When officers from the Church Point Police Department arrived at the scene, they discovered that Devonte had already been transported to a local hospital by private vehicle. Despite the urgent effort to save her, she was pronounced dead upon arrival. The sudden and violent nature of her death sent a shockwave through her family and the community.
The investigation was immediately launched by the Church Point Police Department. Police Chief Dale Thibodeaux quickly identified a suspect in the fatal shooting. Warrants were issued for the arrest of 20-year-old Jason Hopkins, also a resident of Church Point. The charges against Hopkins are severe: first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and obstruction of justice. The specific details of what led to the shooting have not been publicly released by investigators as they continue to piece together the events of that night.
In the days following Devonte's death, her family grieved and prepared to lay her to rest. A visitation was scheduled for the morning of Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church on North Main Street in Church Point. A Mass followed at the same location, where family and friends gathered to pay their last tributes and share memories of the young woman whose life was cut short.
The Church Point Police Department continues its search for Jason Hopkins. Authorities have asked for the public's assistance in locating him. As of October 2026, the investigation is ongoing, and Hopkins remains at large. No motive for the shooting has been shared by law enforcement officials.
The case remains an active investigation. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Jason Hopkins is urged to contact the Church Point Police Department at 337-684-5455. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 337-789-8477. Devonte's family is left to mourn and care for her two young sons, waiting for justice in the loss of their mother.
