25-year-old DeShawn Butler and his 7-month son DeShawn Kinard were shot and killed in an apparent ambush near a New Orleans bridge on Wednesday night, The Associated Press reported. The authorities are offering a $15,000 reward for tips leading to whoever shot them, news reports said.
Authorities said that the assailant opened fire on Wednesday on the black Honda Accord where the two were seated. The shooting happened just past the toll plaza area on the West Bank entrance to the bridge, The AP also reported.
The driver then pulled the near the toll plaza of the Crescent City Connection where the man was pronounced dead and his baby died at a nearby hospital.
The gunfire is believed to have come from a black sport utility with at least two people inside, Police Chief Ronal Serpas said. Police said that it is likely the shooter knew Butler, The AP reported.
""I've been crossing under yellow tape for decades, and it's difficult and disturbing every single time. But it was heartbreaking to see what was clearly a bullet hole in the side of a baby's car seat. No family should have to endure the murder of a 7-month-old baby. Our detectives are doing all they can to gather information to identify those involved," Serpas said.
"But we need people who know something about this to call us. Simply put: It's the decent thing to do. It's the right thing to do. And it's our most effective way to put an end to senseless violence... Our multi-agency gang unit has been investigating a dispute between two groups known as the Fischer Fools and the Hot Block," Serpas added.
