One Dead, Multiple People Injured Following Shootings at Two Louisiana Festivals

The sad trend of shootings at Louisiana outdoor events has continued, as one person is dead and others injured following shootings at two different Louisiana festivals.

The New Iberia Spanish Festival Forced to Close Early Due to Fatal Shooting

NEW IBERIA, La. (KPEL-FM) - A deadly shooting on Saturday evening (April 12) forced the early closure of the New Iberia Spanish Festival.

According to the New Iberia Police Department, the shooting took place in the 100 block of West Main Street just after 10:00 pm.

A Young Teen Was Killed in the New Iberia Spanish Festival Shooting

The victim is a 14-year-old boy. He was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. His name has not yet been released.

The Suspect in the New Iberia Spanish Festival Shooting

The NIPD said that a 15-year-old was arrested and booked into a juvenile facility on the following charges:

• Second-Degree Murder
• Illegal Possession of a Handgun by a Juvenile
• Illegal Use of Weapons

The investigation remains ongoing.

New Iberia Police Seeking the Public's Help

Anyone with information is urged to contact the New Iberia Police Department at (337) 369-2306. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the City of New Iberia app or by visiting www.newiberiapolice.com.

Organizers of the New Iberia Spanish Festival said they plan to reopen on Sunday.

PONCHATOULA, La. (KPEL-FM) - The other shooting that took place on Saturday evening occurred at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival in Tangipahoa Parish.

Two people were injured after gunshots were heard at the festival.

How Many People Were Shot at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival?

"Authorities have now confirmed a second victim in this incident. At this time, the initial victim is hospitalized with an injury to the abdomen while the second victim is being treated for a graze wound," the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office said late Saturday night.

The Strawberry Festival Forced to Close Early on Saturday Evening

As a result of the incident, festival organizers shut down the festival around 9:30 pm.

Despite the shooting, festival organizers there also said the festival would open back up on Sunday. Closing time, though, has been adjusted to 5:00 pm from the original 7:00 pm.

"While we pray for the recovery of those injured, we vow to hold accountable those responsible for ruining what has, so far, been an exceptional weekend," said the sheriff's office.

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