In the late hours of a Tuesday night in Alexandria, Louisiana, a burst of violence shattered the usual quiet of the 3800 block of 3rd Street. On September 17, 2024, at approximately 11:17 PM, police responded to a call of a shooting at the Chi Town Gas and Grocery. Inside, they found 58-year-old Verna Francis suffering from gunshot wounds.
Emergency services transported Francis to a local hospital, but her injuries proved to be fatal, and she succumbed to her wounds.
The Alexandria Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation into the death of the female victim. The convenience store, a 24-hour establishment located at Willow Glen River Road, became the focal point of the initial inquiry as detectives began to piece together the events of that tragic night.
As of now, the investigation into Verna Francis's death is ongoing. Law enforcement officials have not publicly identified any suspects or made any arrests in connection with the shooting. The Alexandria Police Detective Division and Crime Stoppers of CenLa have appealed to the public for any information that might lead to a breakthrough in the case, offering a cash reward for tips that prove helpful. The community is left seeking answers as investigators continue their work to bring justice for Verna Francis.
