What seemed like a normal morning at the Willow Villa apartments in Hammond turned tragic when a disagreement over a ride request ignited a burst of gunfire that killed 26‑year‑old Javan Myers and wounded others, including a child.
Deputies from the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office responded around 11:30 a.m. Thursday to reports of shots fired. On arrival, they found chaos and several people injured. Sheriff Gerald Sticker says that a growing argument between two men ended in both drawing weapons.
According to investigators, Marquanvius Jones fired first into the crowd. Myers, confronted and in the heat of the moment, fired back. The exchange didn’t just hit the two principals. Three bystanders and a 4‑year‑old boy were struck by bullets in the melee.
Jones, 30, was hit too. He was arrested at the scene and now faces multiple charges, including second‑degree murder and attempted murder with a deadly weapon. Myers was pronounced dead after being rushed to a hospital.
People living nearby said they were stunned by the violence. One resident recalled hearing loud pops while sitting in her garage, thinking at first it might be something else. When she peeked outside, she saw people lying on the pavement.
Authorities are still piecing together what led to the angry words and why guns were pulled. Detectives believe the dispute began over a simple request for a ride but quickly spiraled into something far more dangerous.
In the aftermath, the community is left reeling. Loved ones of the victims are dealing with injuries, trauma and the shock of losing someone so young. Officials urge calm and cooperation as they continue to investigate what exactly brought a sunny morning to a violent end.
