Ravell Javion Steptoe, an 18-year-old Black male from Hammond, Louisiana, was shot and killed in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 22, 2026. The shooting occurred about 2 a.m. on the I-55 northbound entrance ramp at University Avenue after Steptoe, driving a black Kia sedan, pulled over to meet a relative in a blue Ford Mustang to exchange an item.

A third vehicle drove past the two parked cars and an occupant opened fire. Steptoe was struck and found deceased by Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies who responded to reports of shots fired; the two other occupants were not injured. Investigators say they had limited information immediately after the attack: the suspect vehicle, shooter identity, and motive remain unknown.

No arrests have been announced and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone who was near I-55 and University Avenue around 2 a.m. on February 22 with information or who saw suspicious vehicles is asked to contact investigators or CrimeStoppers of Tangipahoa.