A shooting that followed the Pepe Mardi Gras Parade in Franklinton on Sunday night, March 2, left five people injured, with one victim in critical condition.
The shooting occurred around 7 p.m. near the parade route, prompting immediate response from Franklinton police and Washington Parish sheriff’s deputies, who were already stationed in the area. They provided emergency medical aid until paramedics arrived.
Two victims were treated and released from local hospitals, while two others are in stable but guarded condition. The fifth victim remains in critical condition. Authorities have taken a person of interest into custody, and detectives are continuing their investigation to identify additional suspects. The motive for the shooting and whether the victims were specifically targeted during Mardi Gras have not yet been disclosed.
Earlier in the day, police arrested two juveniles found carrying firearms along the parade route, which was within a school zone. Officers also encountered an individual armed with an AR-15-style rifle after reports of a potential threat, though it is unclear if this incident is connected to the shooting later in the evening.
Last month, authorities arrested a suspect in connection with the death of Adan Manzano, a Kansas City reporter who was in New Orleans on assignment to cover the Super Bowl.
On Thursday, Feb. 6, Telemundo KC announced the passing of Manzano, 27, who was found unresponsive in his Kenner hotel room on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
By Friday morning (Feb. 7), Kenner police arrested Danette Colbert, of Slidell, after security footage allegedly showed her using Manzano’s credit card at several stores in the New Orleans area. Investigators say Colbert was also seen on video with Manzano the morning of his death and later leaving his hotel room.
