Promising Young Man Succumbs and Multiple Bystanders Severely Injured in Strategic Interstate 10 Ambush; 19-Year-Old Jakiryn Johnson Apprehended as Central Suspect
ASCENSION PARISH, LA — June 9, 2025 — A routine Sunday drive along Interstate 10 transformed into a shocking crisis early on June 9. A promising young man—believed to be 20-year-old Dantrell Gibbs of Donaldsonville—suffered fatal injuries during a calculated highway ambush, while several bystanders sustained serious wounds. Ascension Parish deputies classified the incident as a pinpointed assault.
Sequence of Events: Deliberate Strike on the Move
Law enforcement sources report that just after 2:30 a.m., multiple motorists traveling eastbound near the Highway 73 exit began hearing gunfire erupt from a speeding black sedan weaving aggressively between lanes. Deputies arriving found a targeted vehicle riddled with bullet holes, its driver struggling amidst metal and shattered glass.
Inside, Dantrell Gibbs was discovered unresponsive and later pronounced deceased at Baton Rouge hospital; he succumbed to head injuries sustained in the attack Two additional occupants present head and hand wounds; another was treated for glass-related lacerations before release .
Apprehension of Prime Suspect: Jakiryn Johnson, 19
Hours later, investigators tracked down and detained 19-year-old Jakiryn Johnson in Prairieville without resistance. Authorities booked him into Ascension Parish Jail, charging him with first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder, plus weapons and aggravated property damage offenses Officials indicate more arrests are forthcoming.
Investigative Efforts: Forensics, Footage, Witness Accounts
APSO, cooperating with Louisiana State Police, has recovered shell casings, and their ballistics analysis confirms rounds were fired from the fleeing vehicle. Surveillance efforts—employing traffic and security cameras—are ongoing to reconstruct the full sequence of events and identify any collaborators. Detectives emphasize this was a planned, coordinated order violation, not an unforeseen incident.
Victim Profile: A Bright Future Altered Forever
Dantrell Gibbs, 20, was a beloved local figure known for his bright outlook and community focus. Though formal services have not been scheduled, a church candlelight vigil was held, bringing friends and family together to honor his life. Social media tributes speak to his kindness, mentorship, and positive influence.
Survivors’ Recovery and Emotional Toll
One passenger remains hospitalized in critical condition following arm shrapnel injuries; another was treated and released. Two additional motorists sustained minor trauma. Deputies stress that each individual involved continues to endure the effects of that night’s upheaval.
Community Reigns in Urgency and Hope
The shooting has triggered intense concern from local officials and civic leaders, who are urging unified action to defuse rising youth tensions. As public safety efforts ramp up, authorities encourage eyewitnesses and anyone with footage or intel to contact Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office or Capital Region Crime Stoppers at (225) 344‑7867
Anyone with relevant information is urged to call (225) 621‑8300 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
