In Shreveport, Louisiana, a vibrant community was shaken by a senseless act of violence that claimed the life of 28-year-old Labriesha Patterson, a beloved mother of two. On the night of August 18, 2025, the 1600 block of Martin Luther King Drive became the scene of a heartbreaking tragedy, one that would ignite a relentless pursuit of justice by the Shreveport Police Department (SPD). Now, with the arrest of the final suspect, Semaj Mitchell, on August 21, 2025, the city takes a collective breath as all four individuals implicated in this devastating crime are behind bars.

The tragedy unfolded just before 11 p.m. on that fateful Monday evening, when gunfire shattered the quiet of Martin Luther King Drive. Shreveport police responded swiftly to reports of a shooting, arriving to find Labriesha Patterson, a young woman described by her mother, Yolanda Patterson, as “small but mighty” with a smile that could light up any room. Labriesha, a mother to two young boys, lay critically wounded, struck by multiple gunshots. Despite the desperate efforts of paramedics from the Shreveport Fire Department, she succumbed to her injuries at a nearby hospital, her death marking the city’s 24th homicide of 2025. Tragically, the shooting occurred on the eve of her son’s birthday, compounding the grief of a family already reeling from loss.

What makes this case particularly heart-wrenching is the chilling revelation from investigators: Labriesha was not the intended target. According to SPD’s Public Information Officer, Cpl. Chris Bordelon, the shooters were pursuing someone else, mistaking Patterson’s car for their target’s due to its similar appearance. “She was just trying to live her life,” Bordelon said, his voice heavy with the weight of the injustice. “These guys gunned her down in cold blood.” The passenger in Patterson’s car recounted a terrifying scene: a black car pulled alongside them, and without warning, a hail of bullets erupted. Both vehicles lost control and crashed, with the suspects fleeing into a nearby wooded area, leaving chaos and devastation in their wake.

The SPD’s Violent Crimes Unit wasted no time, diving into an exhaustive investigation that spanned the night and into the following days. Detectives scoured the neighborhood, collecting evidence, analyzing camera footage, and chasing down leads. Their efforts bore fruit quickly, with the arrest of three suspects on August 19: Deceldrion Gay, 19 (born April 4, 2006); Tywann Gipson, 17 (born April 3, 2008); and Rodney Thomas Jr., 19 (born September 12, 2005). Each was charged with second-degree murder for their alleged roles in Patterson’s death. Gipson faced an additional charge of simple escape after attempting to flee custody, with his bond set at a staggering $1 million for the murder charge and an additional $25,000 for the escape attempt.

Yet one suspect remained at large: Semaj Mitchell, identified as the fourth and final piece of this deadly puzzle. A citywide manhunt ensued, with SPD issuing a urgent call to the public for information on Mitchell’s whereabouts, warning that he could be dangerous. On August 21, 2025, their persistence paid off. Mitchell was apprehended and charged with one count of second-degree murder, bringing a sense of relief to a community desperate for answers. His booking photo revealed visible injuries—scars from the chaotic events of that night. Investigators disclosed a shocking detail: Mitchell had allegedly been hanging out of the window of a moving vehicle, firing at Patterson’s car, when the crash occurred, causing him to fall and sustain injuries.

“This case is an example of the relentless work of our detectives and specialized units,” said Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith, his words carrying a mix of pride and resolve. “Through persistence and teamwork, every suspect involved in this senseless act of violence has been identified and taken into custody.” The arrests of Gay, Gipson, Thomas, and now Mitchell mark a significant milestone in a case that has gripped Shreveport, a city all too familiar with the sting of gun violence. Patterson’s death was the second in two months where a woman was killed by gunfire meant for someone else, following the tragic killing of a teenager in a north Shreveport vape shop in late July.

For Labriesha’s family, the pain is unimaginable. Yolanda Patterson shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, describing her daughter as a woman who “loved everyone” and whose infectious smile left an indelible mark on those around her. The grief is compounded by the fact that Labriesha is the third family member to fall victim to gun violence in Shreveport, a stark reminder of the city’s ongoing struggle with such tragedies. “My daughter did not deserve this,” Yolanda wrote, her words echoing the sentiments of a community mourning the loss of an innocent life.

As the legal process moves forward, the Shreveport Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to justice and community safety. Authorities continue to urge anyone with additional information about the case to come forward, emphasizing the critical role of community cooperation in preventing further violence. For now, the arrests offer a glimmer of hope—a step toward closure for a family and a city grappling with loss. But the memory of Labriesha Patterson, a young mother whose life was cut short in a moment of mistaken identity, will linger, a poignant call to action to curb the violence that continues to haunt Shreveport’s streets.