MONROE, La. — A quiet Monroe neighborhood was rattled early Tuesday morning after three people — including a toddler — were killed in a home on the 2000 block of Grammont Street, authorities confirmed.
Monroe Police responded shortly before 3 a.m. to reports of shots fired. When officers arrived, they discovered two men suffering from gunshot wounds along with a 2-year-old child. All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The adult victims were later identified as 27-year-old Jamal Bosley and 25-year-old Jaborris Simpson. The identity of the child has not been released pending family notification.
Investigators believe the shooting may be tied to narcotics activity, though officials stressed that the case remains active and developing.
Within 24 hours of the incident, police announced the arrest of 24-year-old Travis Payton in connection with the attack. Payton faces three counts of first-degree murder, as well as charges of home invasion and criminal conspiracy. Authorities did not immediately release details on a possible motive or whether additional suspects are being sought.
“This level of violence is devastating under any circumstances, but the loss of a child is especially heartbreaking,” a Monroe Police spokesperson said in a statement. “We are committed to bringing everyone responsible to justice.”
City leaders echoed the department’s sentiment, calling the killings “unthinkable” and urging the public to assist investigators. Officials have offered a reward for information as detectives continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence.
Residents in the tight-knit neighborhood spent the day expressing shock and grief. “We’re used to hearing things in the city, but this… this hit different,” one neighbor said. “A baby was in that house. A whole family hurting now.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Monroe Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.