Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives are actively investigating a homicide that occurred late Wednesday evening, according to Sheriff Stuart Wright. NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies were dispatched by the NATCOM 911 Center on April 1 around 11:12 pm to a reported shooting at a residence in the 200 block of Independence Drive, just south of Natchitoches. Upon arrival, deputies discovered an adult male inside the residence suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound.
Deputies immediately initiated life-saving measures until emergency medical personnel arrived. Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded and transported the victim to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later airlifted to Ochsner LSU Health Medical Center in Shreveport. Preliminary information indicates the suspect or suspects fled the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement.
The area was secured, and deputies utilized specialized lighting equipment to assist in processing the crime scene. Chief Criminal Deputy D. Winder and six NPSO detectives responded and worked throughout the night executing search warrants, interviewing witnesses and neighbors, and collecting evidence. Detectives recovered multiple shell casings from the roadway near the residence, which also sustained damage from numerous gunshots.
At approximately 2:51 a.m., Natchitoches Parish Coroner Steven Clanton was notified by Ochsner LSU Health that the victim, identified as 18-year-old Damarion Deshawn Tyrell Lewis of Natchitoches, had succumbed to his injuries.
Detectives traveled to Shreveport Thursday morning to attend the autopsy, which will assist in determining the exact cause and manner of death as part of the ongoing investigation.
This investigation remains active. Sheriff Wright stated that investigators are working diligently to identify and apprehend the individual or individuals responsible for the death of Mr. Lewis. The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Lewis during this difficult time.
Anyone with information, including home surveillance footage, is urged to contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau at 318-357-7830. This marks the first homicide investigated by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office in 2026.
