On August 22, 2021, 34-year-old Lazarus Thomas was among a group of friends outside a Shreveport school taking part in a social media video challenge when a vehicle pulled up and occupants opened fire. Thomas was struck and later died; 19-year-old Paris Danija King was also killed in the same attack. The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office ruled both deaths homicides and the Shreveport Police Department opened an investigation.

The shooting happened in daylight in a public area and cut short what had been a lighthearted gathering. The double homicide remains an open and painful matter for the victims’ families and the community.

If anyone witnessed the shooting or has information that could help the investigation, please contact the Shreveport Police Department.