At a shipyard in Louisiana, two workers were shot and killed on Monday. The suspect, a former employee who had reportedly been fired, was later fatally shot by officers at a different location, according to authorities.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report of a shooting at FMT Shipyard and Repair in Harvey around 1 p.m. local time. Upon arrival, deputies discovered two adult males on the ground, both with gunshot wounds. Sadly, they were pronounced dead at the scene, leading authorities to classify the incident as a double homicide.
Witnesses identified the suspect as a former employee, prompting detectives to initiate a search for him. Later, a group of uniformed and plainclothes deputies encountered the suspect at an apartment complex on Manhattan Boulevard. As they approached him, the suspect fled and fired several shots at the deputies. In response, the deputies returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and his firearm was recovered.
The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office identified the two employees killed at the shipyard as Nakie James Brown, 48, and Dustin Parrie Jr., 20, both residents of Harvey. The suspected gunman, who was later killed by authorities, was identified as Willis Thomas Jr., 31, also from Harvey. Sheriff Joe Lopinto stated that the suspect specifically targeted individuals on his crew, as they were all part of the same team.
It remains unknown whether a confrontation occurred prior to the shooting or why the alleged gunman was fired from his job. Sheriff Lopinto revealed that the suspect’s mother picked him up near the shipyard and drove him to the apartment complex, unaware of his alleged involvement in the shooting.
FMT Shipyard and Repair released a statement expressing their condolences to the victims and their families. The company acknowledged the shooting incident involving one shooter and two victims among contract workers at the facility. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting and the events leading up to it.