Silence fueling LaPlace violence

Published 12:03 am Saturday, August 8, 2015

L’OBSERVATEUR shared news Thursday morning about a LaPlace teen reportedly shot in the hand because he didn’t instantly give up his backpack when a group of thugs demanded it.

The response from a reader on our Facebook page was, “LaPlace is getting OUT OF CONTROL,” along with a plea to a friend to watch out for a young girl who recently received a “new snazzy backpack.” The commenter ended by saying some local residents are “goin’ cray-cray!”

This can’t be us. This can’t become what LaPlace and greater St. John the Baptist Parish is known for.

Earlier this week, Sheriff Mike Tregre bemoaned the fact his department is receiving little cooperation from those who know the most about a string of violent shootings that have gripped the region.

On Sunday morning a home in the 2300 block of LaPlace’s Yorktowne Drive was riddled with gunfire. Responding deputies saw gunshot holes in the walls, ceiling, cabinets and door.

Nine people were in the house, and thankfully no one was injured.

“That was done purposely, so it is jeopardizing the entire neighborhood,” Tregre said two days later. “(Someone) could tell us exactly who did what without hesitation. They could easily solve this for us but they choose not to.”

Community leaders, area pastors and informed local residents need to band together to out those bringing violence, danger and derogation to our community and young people.

When we shared the story Wednesday of a yearlong feud fueling a tit-for-tat shooting spree, a Facebook reader implored, “People speak up. This will be a loved one of yours if you do not speak up right now. Please help stop these senseless killings.”

As it stands now, it’s only a matter of time before an innocent person is killed. We hope it’s not someone you love.