A 17-year-old has been arrested after two people were killed Friday afternoon in a shooting that Gonzales police say may be linked to illegal drug activity.
Joseph Appiah, 17, was booked into the Ascension Parish Jail early Saturday morning on two counts of first-degree murder, eight counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, and a count each of discharging firearms in city limits, possession with intent to distribute, criminal conspiracy, and principals, according to police.
Shortly after 4 p.m. Friday, Gonzales officers were dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of East Caldwell Street in response to a report of gunfire. Officers located 17-year-old Tegan Daigle and 21-year-old Jared Downey, who were pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses and video surveillance identified a black BMW leaving the residence shortly after the shooting, police said. Detectives identified individuals believed to be involved and located the vehicle. They later arrested Appiah.
Police say the investigation shows illegal drug activity may have been a factor in the circumstances regarding the shooting.
Two additional persons of interest have been identified, and police continue to investigate to determine their involvement and if additional arrests are needed.
“This is a senseless loss of two young lives, and the tragedy extends far beyond the two victims,” Police Chief Sherman Jackson said. “Young people are now facing life-altering consequences because of bad decisions, drugs and violence. In a matter of moments, lives were lost, futures were shattered, and multiple families were forever changed.”