BATON ROUGE, La.— The Baton Rouge community is reeling from a tragic triple homicide that took place late on Friday, September 27, in the vicinity of Benson Avenue and Grayson Avenue. Authorities have identified the victims as 40-year-old Shelita Vallery, 62-year-old David Celestine, and 63-year-old Paul Lewis. Both Celestine and Lewis were relatives of Vallery, deepening the devastation felt by their grieving family.
The suspects, 19-year-olds Dominik Franklin and Tyrone Eackles, have been charged in connection with the murders. According to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, Franklin is facing three counts of first-degree murder, while Eackles has been charged with three counts of principal to first-degree murder and illegal use of a firearm. Both young men are currently hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the incident. Upon their release, they will be taken into custody and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the fatal shooting stemmed from an ongoing feud between Franklin and the Vallery family, though specifics about the dispute remain unclear. What began as a heated physical confrontation between the suspects and victims escalated into deadly violence when Franklin allegedly opened fire. Vallery, Celestine, and Lewis were all fatally shot, with investigators suspecting that one of the victims may have returned fire, causing injuries to both Franklin and Eackles.
This horrific crime has left the Baton Rouge community in shock, with many questioning how such violence could erupt in their neighborhood. The area around Benson and Grayson Avenues has seen its share of struggles, but this incident has brought the issue of violence and its impact on families into sharp focus.
In recent years, Baton Rouge has been grappling with rising violent crime rates. According to the **Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting** statistics, violent crime in Baton Rouge has steadily increased, with a particularly alarming rise in homicides. In 2023, Baton Rouge experienced 96 homicides, up from 71 in 2020, reflecting a worrying trend that has strained the local law enforcement community and left residents fearful. Many are now voicing concerns over the persistent violence and the need for stronger measures to address the root causes of crime, including socio-economic disparities, lack of education, and limited job opportunities for young people.
The loss of Vallery, Celestine, and Lewis has deeply impacted those who knew them. Friends and neighbors describe Vallery as a loving mother and community pillar who was known for her generosity and strong sense of family. Celestine and Lewis were described as hardworking, kind individuals who always looked out for those around them. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting calls for greater efforts to prevent further violence.
“We’re tired of seeing our loved ones taken away by senseless violence. Our community is suffering, and we need action now,” said one neighbor, expressing the collective grief felt by the area’s residents.
As the investigation continues, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with additional information to come forward, hoping that more details will help bring closure to the victims’ families. While authorities have linked the shooting to a long-standing feud, they are still working to piece together the full timeline of events that led to this tragic outcome.
Local leaders and community advocates have also weighed in, stressing the importance of community engagement in solving and preventing violence. **Louisiana Senator Regina Barrow**, a well-known advocate for public safety in Baton Rouge, recently called for increased support for youth programs, aiming to steer young people away from crime and towards constructive, positive outlets. She emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between local government, schools, and law enforcement to break the cycle of violence that has plagued communities across the city.
As Franklin and Eackles face the legal consequences of their alleged actions, the Baton Rouge community continues to search for answers. While justice is expected to take its course, many in the area hope that addressing the broader societal factors contributing to crime will ultimately help curb future tragedies like this one.
In the wake of such senseless violence, it’s clear that the scars left by this triple homicide will take time to heal. Yet, even in their grief, the people of Baton Rouge remain determined to reclaim their neighborhoods and fight for a future where such tragedies become a thing of the past.
The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office has reiterated their commitment to solving this case and encourages anyone with relevant information to contact them directly. The investigation remains ongoing, as the community mourns the loss of three lives and hopes for a better, safer tomorrow.