14-year-old killed in shooting just before first day of high school; best friend arrested

HAHNVILLE, La. (WVUE/Gray News) - A 14-year-old Louisiana boy was killed in a shooting just before he was set to begin his freshman year of high school, according to his family.

St. Charles Parish deputies found the 14-year-old around 2 a.m. Monday in Hahnville after responding to reports of a shooting. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

Detectives arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with the homicide. He is facing charges of second-degree homicide, obstruction of justice and illegal possession of a firearm by a juvenile.

The victim’s aunt, who did not want to appear on camera, said her nephew was scheduled to begin his freshman year at Hahnville High School on Tuesday.

She said her nephew and the 16-year-old accused in the shooting were best friends.

The aunt said the family does not know why the suspect had a gun or exactly how the shooting unfolded. She said the victim’s sister heard the gunfire and witnessed another friend trying to save her brother’s life.

The 16-year-old accused in the shooting lives on the same street as the victim, according to the families.

His mother also spoke off camera. She said she wants to support the victim’s family but is keeping her distance. She said she exchanged text messages with the victim’s mother Monday.

The accused teen’s mother said she was with her son during an interview with investigators and was waiting to learn where he would be booked.

The investigation is ongoing.