A Lafayette block party turned deadly on October 7, 2023, when 20-year-old Devin McZeal was struck in a drive-by shooting on the 500 block of Hellen Street. Shots rang out about 10:40 p.m. as a car passed the gathering; three people were hit. Officers on scene provided life-saving aid before paramedics took the victims to a local hospital, but Devin later died. An adult suffered non-life-threatening injuries and a juvenile was reported in critical but stable condition. The shooter or shooters fled and have not been publicly identified; no arrests have been announced.

Devin, born February 26, 2003, was a lifelong Lafayette resident remembered for a goofy personality, contagious laugh, and love of basketball. His obituary describes him as loving, kind, determined, gentle and loyal, and protective of those he cared about. The Lafayette Police Department is asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information to contact them or submit an anonymous tip to Lafayette Crime Stoppers.

If anyone was at that block party or knows anything about the car or the people who fired into the crowd, please come forward.