By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Authorities in St. John Parish are investigating the unclassified death of a LaPlace man who was found shot in the 2400 block of Cambridge Drive late Monday night.

Capt. Dane Clement, public information officer for the St. John Sheriff’s Office, said a resident of the block called police at 10:44 p.m. Monday after finding 19-year-old Claude Holmes lying in the street with an apparent gunshot wound to his right thigh.

Clement said when deputies arrived on the scene they found Holmes unconscious, leaning against a car parked on the street. He said Holmes died on the scene.

Authorities have not determined the exact cause of death in the case. Clement said an autopsy was scheduled Tuesday morning in New Orleans. He said investigators have not classified the death as a homicide.

Clement said no witnesses have come forward to provide information to detectives and investigators are seeking help from the community. Anyone who may have information regarding the shooting should contact the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at 985-652-6338. People may also call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111. All callers can remain anonymous.