In a heartbreaking turn of events Wednesday evening, a 43‑year-old Uber driver and his teenage passenger were fatally shot during what should have been a routine ride on Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway, Shreveport Police confirmed.
According to the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office, the driver has been identified as Frederick Kiprono, and the 18-year-old passenger as Tatum Ashley. The two were traveling north on Clyde Fant just past East Preston Avenue around 6:45 p.m. when gunfire erupted, sending their car careening off the road into a grassy area.
Responding officers found three people with gunshot wounds. Kiprono and Ashley were pronounced dead at the scene; another individual was seriously wounded and rushed to a nearby hospital, though their current condition hasn’t been publicly updated. The coroner’s office has ordered autopsies for both men.
The shooting has rattled the community, not least because it marks Shreveport’s 34th and 35th confirmed homicides of the year, with the total rising to 41 in Caddo Parish when other areas are included.
In a swift investigative response, Shreveport Police arrested 17-year-old Travelia Loston (sometimes reported as “Tarvell”) on Friday, charging her with two counts of second-degree murder and one count of attempted second-degree murder. A second suspect, Joshua Thomas, was also taken into custody, though the specific charges against him have not yet been publicly disclosed. Authorities have indicated that at least one or two more arrests may be forthcoming.
Shreveport Police Chief Smith expressed deep concern over the incident, calling it “a terrifying act of violence” that the city will not tolerate. He commended the Violent Crimes Unit and the Special Response Team for their quick and professional response during the investigation.
Meanwhile, community advocates and local media have shared photos of Kiprono, describing him as a hardworking father doing his job. The space for healing is tense: family and neighbors are left grappling with the loss of two lives in what should have been a simple drive home.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. If you were in the area Wednesday evening or saw anything out of the ordinary, you’re encouraged to contact the Shreveport Police Department or Caddo Crime Stoppers.
