An 11-year-old girl and her 50-year-old uncle were fatally shot late Friday night while preparing for a toddler’s birthday celebration in LaPlace, Louisiana.
Authorities describe the incident as a targeted attack intended for someone else.
Sa’Miya McClain and her uncle, Ron Tate, were inflating balloons at a home in the 1300 block of North Sugar Ridge Drive around 11:48 p.m. when unknown assailants fired multiple shots into the residence. St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre reported that officers responded to calls of gunfire and discovered three victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
McClain and Tate were transported to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The third victim, a woman whose identity has not been released, was grazed by a bullet and is being treated for her injuries.
Sheriff Tregre stated that the shooting involved approximately a dozen bullets entering the home.
Other individuals were present in the house during the incident, but their relationships to the victims were not immediately clear.
The residence belonged to Tate, and McClain was visiting him to help prepare for a three-year-old’s birthday party scheduled for the next day. Neighboring properties also sustained damage, with vehicles hit by stray bullets. A neighbor recounted cowering inside her home upon hearing the gunfire, only venturing outside when law enforcement arrived.
On Saturday morning, two suspects were arrested in connection with the shooting. Cartez Foster, 23, and Patrick Maxon, 26, were taken into custody in Metairie, Louisiana. They have been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.
According to Sheriff Tregre, the suspects were acting out of revenge after reportedly pistol-whipping a woman on Friday night. ”They went to the wrong house and opened fire, killing two innocent people,” Tregre said. Surveillance footage captured the suspects’ vehicle approaching the neighborhood and discharging multiple rounds.
Family members are mourning the loss of McClain and Tate. Sa’Miya was described as an “old soul” who enjoyed blues music and line dancing. Her uncle Ron was known for his generosity and willingness to help others. “They were both full of life and love,” a relative said.
The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office is continuing the investigation and is seeking additional information from the public.
Sheriff Tregre expressed his support for severe penalties in this case. “I would support the death penalty on this one,” he stated. “These victims were totally innocent and oblivious to what was transpiring.”