Any murder is unacceptable. Unjustified. And contrary to all religious teachings.
However three homicides since late June have received more attention than others. And rightly so.
This does not mean that any other homicides are less significant. Or less reprehensible.
On June 22 postman Antonio Williams was shot dead while delivering mail. Roderick Gaut was killed on July 20 after he parked his car in front of a stranger’s home. One month old Queen Dean died on Aug. 3 from a gunshot fired into her house.
Arrests have been made in the Williams and Gaut cases.
Crime Stoppers has posted a $2000 tip reward in the Dean homicide. This writer has added a $1000 to this amount.
The widow of Antonio Williams appeared at the Shreveport city council on Aug.13 to thank all that assisted her husband and her family after his death. It was a tearful event.
Gaut’s dad spoke to the Shreveport council on Aug. 27. He asked that a SPAR sports field be named after Roderick, who was an very active coach. The dad’s woeful request quieted a somber crowd.
All three murders were of totally innocent people–with no history of past confrontation with the murderers. No history of drug activity, domestic violence, or other criminal activity between those that pulled the triggers and their victims.
No amount of police presence could have prevented these incidents. Not unless a police officer was posted in every house or on every street. And probably not even then.
Two were face to face killings. The third was cowardly shots fired into a house from a vehicle. Thankfully citizens did not come to council meetings and rail against Shreveport police for not doing their jobs. No one asked for SPD chief Raymond’s head on a stick like in past meetings.
Thankfully, racial tensions did not boil up. Williams and Gaut were black men shot by white men. Dean was a black infant; her shooter’s race is unknown.
There are not easy answers to these murders. In Shreveport or anywhere.
Gun control will not eliminate illegally purchased guns, although it could curtail them. More police will not curtail shootings like those of Williams and Gaut. And probably not of Dean.
What is needed is more assistance by citizens in resolving all crimes. Crime Stoppers always anonymous tips to be made to assist law enforcement. Citizens can call with no fear of retaliation.
The Crime Stoppers website clearly states:
You will never be asked your name.
Your call will not be recorded.
Numbers and online tips are not traced.
You don’t have to make a statement to the police.
You will not appear in court.
The Crime Stoppers website (www.LockEmUp.org ) has an easy crime reporting form to complete.
Tips can be called in –(318) 673-7373. Or texted.
Crime Stoppers rewards range from $50 to $2000.
More info on the website.