The Shreveport Police Department (SPD) is ramping up its search for a third suspect tied to the horrific double homicide that rocked the community, adding a new layer of complexity to an already devastating case. This entire ordeal brings with it a tragic tale of two young lives cut short, leaving family and friends reeling from the sudden, violent loss. While two individuals have already been arrested and charged, authorities have identified 21-year-old Dennis Scott as the third person they urgently need to bring in for questioning.
Scott is currently facing two counts of second-degree murder and one count of attempted second-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting. The chilling incident unfolded late one Friday night, leaving the community of the Cross Lake Apartments on Lakeshore Drive in shock. When police first arrived on the scene, they found 21-year-old Traavian Datcher suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to the hospital, but tragically succumbed to his injuries.
However, the full extent of the tragedy didn’t become clear until a second victim was discovered. Traavian’s cousin, also 21 years old, Jaka Datcher, was found deceased in the back seat of an SUV in a different part of the city, in the 3000 block of Curtis Lane. Police believe the two cousins had just arrived at the apartment complex when shots were fired as they were exiting their vehicle, turning what should have been a simple outing into a scene of unimaginable violence.
The emotional weight of finding Jaka’s body in the backseat—miles from the original shooting—is a detail that truly highlights the heartbreaking cruelty of this crime. It points to a desperate situation where an attempt to flee a sudden, terrifying ambush ultimately failed. The image of the young woman in the back of the car, a silent victim of the chaos, is the kind of detail that stays with a community long after the headlines fade.
The case has already led to the arrests of Alyssa Rogers, 18, Rufus Anderson, 20, and Devonte Davis, 21, each booked and charged with the same two counts of second-degree murder. The fact that the police have already identified multiple suspects shows just how complex and perhaps premeditated this act of violence was. Now, the focus is squarely on locating Dennis Scott, who remains at large, keeping a palpable tension in the city until he is apprehended.
This ongoing investigation serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on young people and their families. The search for Scott is a critical step not just for justice, but for providing the Datcher family with some measure of closure, allowing them to finally begin the long, painful process of mourning their two loved ones.
Authorities are appealing to the public for any information regarding the whereabouts of Dennis Scott. If you have any knowledge that could help the police, it’s crucial that you step forward. Bringing the final suspect into custody is the priority to ensure all those involved in this double tragedy are held accountable for their actions.
