In the quiet of a Shreveport evening, a senseless act of violence shattered a community and left a family in mourning. On Monday night, August 18, 2025, 28-year-old Labriesha Patterson, a devoted mother of two young boys, was driving along MLK Drive when her life was tragically cut short. A group of suspects, intent on targeting someone else, opened fire on her car in a devastating case of mistaken identity, leading to a catastrophic crash that claimed her life. The city’s 25th homicide of the year, this heartbreaking incident has left Shreveport reeling, with a grieving family and a community demanding justice.
Labriesha Patterson was more than a statistic. Described by her mother, Yolanda Patterson, as “small but mighty,” she had a smile that could light up any room and a heart that embraced everyone she met. “Everyone loved her, and she loved everyone,” Yolanda shared in a poignant Facebook post, her words echoing the profound loss felt by those who knew Labriesha. The tragedy was compounded by the cruel timing: the day of her death coincided with her son’s birthday, a day that should have been filled with joy but instead became a somber milestone for her family. For Labriesha’s loved ones, the pain is deepened by the fact that she is the third family member to fall victim to gun violence in Shreveport, a stark reminder of the city’s ongoing struggle with such tragedies.
According to the Shreveport Police Department, the incident unfolded near the intersection of MLK Drive and Willie Mayes Street. A group of suspects, riding in another vehicle, were on a mission to kill a specific individual. Mistaking Patterson’s car for their intended target due to its similar appearance, they unleashed a barrage of gunfire. The bullets struck Patterson, causing her vehicle to crash. Despite the chaos, police have made significant progress in the investigation. One suspect is in custody, and authorities are actively pursuing additional leads to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable. “We do have some suspect information we are trying to follow up on right now, as well as having one individual in custody and working to determine his involvement in this incident,” said Cpl. Chris Bordelon, SPD Public Information Officer.
The suspects identified in connection with this heinous act are Deceldrion Gay, 17, Tywann Gipson, 16, and Rodney Thomas Jr., 19. Their alleged actions have not only robbed a family of a beloved mother but also cast a spotlight on the devastating consequences of gun violence and mistaken identity. Neighbors in the area, shaken by the sound of gunfire, recounted the chilling moment when the shots rang out, a sound all too familiar in a city grappling with its 25th homicide of 2025. Just weeks earlier, another innocent woman, a teenager, was killed in a north Shreveport vape shop when bullets from a parking lot gunfight pierced the store—a haunting parallel to Patterson’s fate.
As the investigation continues, the Shreveport Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the need for community support to bring justice for Labriesha and her family. The loss of this vibrant young woman, whose infectious smile and boundless love touched so many, has left an indelible mark on Shreveport. Her two sons, now without their mother, face a future forever altered by this senseless act. The community mourns not just the loss of Labriesha Patterson but the innocence stolen by yet another act of violence, a stark call for change in a city yearning for peace.
