In Baton Rouge, Louisiana what was intended to be a celebratory night at a bachelor party turned deadly, as 26-year-old Devin Michael Repath, a father of two young sons, lost his life following a violent altercation. The incident occurred near Louisiana State University’s (LSU) campus.
The confrontation erupted shortly after 1:20 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, in Fred’s Bar in Tigerland, a locale well-frequented by residents and LSU students. Baton Rouge police report that the dispute initially manifested indoors before escalating and moving into the establishment’s parking lot. Repath was knocked unconscious during a “savage” fistfight.
In the aftermath, Repath was transported to a hospital in critical condition, only to die from his injuries by early Tuesday morning, March 26. The cause of death, as determined by the East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office, was blunt force trauma to the head, officially classifying the incident as a homicide.
Notably, the bar hosted a “Battle of the Bands” event that evening, contributing to the crowded scene. The Baton Rouge Police Department, in collaboration with LSU campus police, is diligently investigating the matter, including reviewing surveillance footage to identify all participants involved.
Despite these ongoing efforts, the investigation has not resulted in any arrests.
Amidst the investigation, East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore has emphasized the challenges investigators face, noting the “lot of unknowns” surrounding the case.
Repath, an elevator mechanic hailing from Jefferson Parish, ventured to Baton Rouge specifically for the bachelor party. He is survived by his partner, Sheylli Pantoja, and their two young sons, four-year-old Melo and eight-month-old Liam.
The community has rallied around Pantoja and her children through a GoFundMe campaign, which has surpassed its initial goal, amassing over $60,000. Furthermore, Repath’s decision to donate his organs has been highlighted as a testament to his enduring impact, with the potential to save up to seven lives.
As the investigation progresses, authorities encourage anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. The goal remains to piece together the events leading to Repath’s death, ensuring that justice is served for him and his loved ones.
