On Friday, January 26, 33-year-old Brandon Lindsey of Shreveport was arrested after being accused of violently beating a woman on Highland Avenue. His alleged victim, Latounda Bryant, 33, of North Southland Park Drive, was reportedly taken to Ochsner LSU Health hospital where she died at 11:40 a.m. that same day.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and Lindsey's alleged involvement are still unclear. However, witnesses have stated that Lindsey and Bryant had been involved in an altercation prior to the attack. Witnesses have also reported that Lindsey had threatened to kill Bryant prior to the attack.
The Shreveport Police Department has yet to comment on the incident, however, they have confirmed that Lindsey has been charged with second-degree murder and is currently being held in the Caddo Parish Jail on a $250,000 bond.
This incident is the latest in a string of violent attacks that have taken place in Shreveport in recent months. On February 1, a double shooting occurred near the airport in Shreveport, leaving two people injured. On March 5, Ronnie Lee Boyd III, 27, of Shreveport, and Hunter Brown, 24, of the same address, were indicted on charges of second-degree murder by the Caddo Parish Grand Jury.
In response to these incidents, City Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor has proposed that the city hire a contractor to install cameras in areas known to be frequented by criminals. The cameras would act as a deterrent to crime and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Councilwoman Taylor has also called on Mayor Tom Arceneaux to consider increasing police presence in high-crime areas. The mayor has yet to respond to Taylor's proposals.
In light of these recent events, the Caddo Parish Public Schools and Red River United have opened a new autism sensory room at Donnie Bickham Middle School in an effort to provide a safe haven for those affected by violence.
The opening of the new room was attended by many, including members of the school board, teachers, and local law enforcement officials. The room was designed to create a calming environment for students with special needs, and will provide a place for them to learn and grow in a supportive environment.
Although the attack on Latounda Bryant has been met with great sorrow, the community is determined to take steps to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The Shreveport Police Department has urged anyone with information about the attack or Brandon Lindsey to come forward and contact them. They have also asked anyone who may have witnessed the attack to come forward as well.
The Shreveport community is standing together during this difficult time, and is determined to make sure that justice is served.
The Caddo Parish Public Schools and Red River United are working together to ensure that the students in their district feel safe and that their voices are heard.
The Shreveport Police Department is continuing to investigate the attack on Latounda Bryant and the two other recent violent crimes. They are hopeful that their efforts will result in justice being served and that the Shreveport community can move forward in a safe and secure manner.
As the investigation continues, the Shreveport community will continue to stand together and provide support for one another during this difficult time.
