Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. held a press conference on Aug. 13 to address several acts of senseless shootings that have occurred in the Natchitoches community over the past few days.
“We will not tolerate violence in our city,” he said. “It will take all of us working together, from faith leaders to educators to law enforcement to community activists to develop a sustainable solution.”
Interim Police Chief Harmon Winters provided some information on the two shootings. The first shooting was in the 900 block of MLK Drive and the second one was in the 100 block of Sylvan Drive. They are aggressively seeking a suspect regarding the second homicide. At this present moment there are several leads, but it will take some time to make sure there is sufficient evidence collected to insure successful prosecution.
Winters also added that if any parents with children and guns in their homes can call the police department to come out and recover the weapon if they’re feeling concerned.
Natchitoches Parish Schools Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi and School Board President Steven Harris were present.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students,” he said.
Dr. Eloi said the district will continue to provide grief counseling for students and staff. While the shooting did not occur on a school campus, the district is in the midst of a review of its security. They are collaborating with local law enforcement to make sure campuses across the parish are as secure as possible. The Sheriff’s Office and City Police are also providing an increased presence in City schools.
“We stand in solidarity with the City, the Mayor and the police in our stand against violent crime,” Eloi added.
City Council member Chris Petite offered condolences to the victim’s family on behalf of all the Council members. Petite, City Council Chair Betty Sawyer-Smith, Eddie Harrington, Rosemary Washington and City Attorney Alex Washington were in attendance.
If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.
You can also report a tip anonymously by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $2,000 for the arrest of an offender.
Natchitoches Police investigate homicide on Sylvan Drive
Natchitoches Police arrest juvenile for Attempted First Degree Murder
Shooting Takes Place Over Memorial Day Weekend
Natchitoches Police investigate homicide on Rowena Street
Natchitoches Police investigate shooting on Grace Avenue
Nothing is gonna change
If any of you can think back to when you were a teen, there were things you did, that your parents did not approve of. Not as bad as some, but no matter how you were reared, there came a time when you did the exact opposite of what you were taught at home. Can we please stop blaming parents for decisions the young people are making. We must realize the solution to the problem of crime is deliverance from greed, power, and evil in general. Let us stop pointing fingers and come up with workable solutions.
Missey mae I agree,my parents had to lets say take a few corrective measures with me a few times in my teens, but I don’t ever remember them having to tell me killing someone was wrong.
Remember you can’t get out of the Bible without a brother killing a brother! Evil exist! There are things that can mitigate what’s happening in Natchitoches! However it will take the right collective agenda, with leadership with the necessary level of consciousness and the WILL to carry it out! Every one at that press conference would have a role to play!
By association with printed media I have observed things over the years that have worked in communities with similar problems! I would like to help! These things are not easy and can’t be talk away! Action is the criteria of truth! Peace!
The first book of the Bible!( correction)
None of these incidents happened at school so I’m confused regarding the questions about lockers and teachers or officers checking lockers or disciplinary actions .
Unless they can correct the ignorant parents of these kids…….. then its a losing battle for the police!!!!
And that is why it is symbolism over substance. The people responsible don’t want to fix it because it would require acknowledging some hard truths about a failed history of irresponsibility.
Let’s face it. Criminals have more rights than victims and this crazy world loves defunding police and sheriffs department. Parents want to be friends and no parents and don’t want to correct or teach children right from wrong. A good backside spanking is needed along with praying for your children rather than just allowing kids to make their own choices and decisions. Parents need to parent and to support police and sheriffs departments. No, it’s easier to sit back and complain their children was offended. All this offending crap has done nothing but caused more problems. Grow up and take responsibility for your actions. Keep criminals in jail. If you do the crime it’s time to do the time!
So much Christian love and human understanding.
Perhaps consider less political swagger and more reflection on causes and effective accountability.
Frustration in the face of complex problems challenges everyone.
But violence, simplistic platitudes, and venting anger are self-defeating actions providing adrenalin rushes without solving real community issues.
Parenting is difficult enough without judgmental accusations based on no evidence.
“And if teaching them the Bible doesn’t work, hit the buggers on the side of their heads with it .”
Oh happy day.
Symbolism over substance, when we finally get tough on crime and stop acting like a press conference will make it stop maybe some progress can be made, until then get ready for more of the same.
“Symbolism over substance.” An interesting take on what was gleaned from this article. What we need is to “get tough on crime.” What exactly is that and how is it accomplished? Rhetoric instead of solutions? A press conference is NOT going to make it stop. That’s true. But, I believe the mayor and acting chief are asking for support and actual solutions. If any actions that may be taken (example, stop and frisk or searching school lockers) is not supported by the community and a bunch of parents get all bent out of shape because THEIR child was searched for a weapon, then we’ve accomplished nothing. Investigate: WHERE these children put their hands on a weapon. Investigate: Who sold it or gave it to them. Investigate: Are the parents going to support law enforcement by giving names, places, and actually following any disciplinary sentences if found with a weapon? Investigate: What actions will be taken if a gun/weapons are found on an individual or in their locker? Should teachers be searching lockers or should that be left up to officers? There are a lot of questions and gathering of information before we can “get touch on crime.” This is not a simple process. There are no easy answers. Does anyone have the solutions in a paper bag? If so, let’s hear it. I’m more than ready and I’m sure our law officers and mayor are more than ready.
I totally agree with what you are saying. Talking has never gotten us anywhere, we talk about it a few weeks and after a month, silence. Look at how many unsolved murders still exist in this town, the only murder I remember that solved quickly was the murder on Pearl Street, all the other shootings was on the west side and it didn’t matter. When I call to talk about crime and more policing in communities you don’t get any feed back. You are seen as a complainer. I have talked bout what is going on and I won’t stop. Remember Natchitoches is a city as a whole, not just part of it. During elections there is street walking, knocking on doors, just looking around the city and see what needs to be done to make it safer and better.