PRESS RELEASE DETAIL

Office of the Mayor-President


For release: IMMEDIATELY

Release Date: 02/15/2017

Mayor Broome, law enforcement reaffirm 'BR community still safe and homicides on the decline'

Office of Mayor-President
City of Baton Rouge/Parish of East Baton Rouge


SHARON WESTON BROOME
Mayor-President


Feb. 15, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Dr. Tamiara Wade, Asst. Chief Administrative Officer, (225) 389-3100
Michelle McCalope, Communications Office: (225) 389-7957


BATON ROUGE – Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, Baton Rouge Police and EBR Sheriff officials say despite the deadliest day of shootings this year, they are committed to the safety of the citizens of this city and parish. Officials are working around the clock to bring those involved to justice. Additionally, more officers are patrolling the area where the shootings occurred.
On Feb. 14, there were three deadly shootings in East Baton Rouge Parish. Roosevelt Florida, 53, was found dead in the 700 block of Mills Avenue and two other men were found shot to death -- 22-year old Marcus Anthony Holmes on Maplewood Drive and 19-year-old Terione Dominique Williams on Glenlea Avenue. On Feb. 13, 25-year-old Tevin Gunter was shot and killed in the 5300 block of Annette Street.
“The past few days have been a tragic time in our community and we are certainly concerned about the lives that were lost and the increase of homicides in our parish,” Mayor Broome said. “Anytime you have that number of individuals who are killed it’s certainly alarming. Yet, I want the public to know that we will rise above such violence as citizens work together with law enforcement to end the senseless shootings that make our communities unsafe. The violence must stop.”
Police and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's officials are working together to investigate the shootings. Officials say there’s no explanation for the increase, but they are diligently pursuing any and all leads. No word yet on whether the crimes are connected in any way.
Homicides are on the decline in East Baton Rouge Parish. Last year, the number of homicides dropped to its lowest level in a decade.
If the public has any information regarding the shootings, please call the Violent Crimes Unit at (225) 389-4869 or Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-7867.
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