SHREVEPORT, LA — The Shreveport community is reeling from the devastating loss of Sherita Layton, a 38-year-old woman remembered for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family. Layton was fatally shot in the early hours of Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in a shooting on Pete Harris Drive, just west of downtown, that also left two others wounded.
The incident unfolded shortly after 1:30 a.m. in the 400 block of Pete Harris Drive, outside the Session Levingston Motel. Shreveport Police Department (SPD) officers responded to reports of gunfire and found Layton and another victim, a man, suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. Both were rushed to Ochsner LSU Health, where Layton was pronounced dead. A third victim, who sustained a grazed gunshot wound, later arrived at the hospital for treatment. The shooting marked Shreveport’s 23rd confirmed homicide of 2025, contributing to a total of 28 homicides in Caddo Parish this year.
**A Beloved Figure in the Community**
Sherita Layton was a cherished mother, daughter, and friend, known for her infectious laughter and compassionate spirit. Described by those close to her as someone who treated everyone like family, Layton had recently celebrated her 38th birthday and was preparing to enroll her youngest child in school. Her untimely death has left a void in the lives of her two children—a teenage daughter and a young son—and the many friends and neighbors who relied on her kindness.
“Sherita was a light in this community,” said a close friend, Danielle Thomas. “She had a way of making you feel seen and cared for. This loss is unimaginable.”
Tributes have poured in across social media, with residents leaving messages of love and sorrow. A growing memorial of candles, flowers, and heartfelt notes now adorns the site on Pete Harris Drive where Layton was fatally wounded, serving as a testament to her impact on those around her.
**An Ongoing Search for Answers**
The Shreveport Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is leading the investigation into Layton’s death, which remains ongoing with no arrests announced as of Thursday, July 31, 2025. Authorities believe the shooting stemmed from an altercation involving someone firing a gun in front of the motel, though it is unclear whether Layton was a specific target or caught in the crossfire. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences and are appealing to the public for assistance.
“We are committed to pursuing every lead to bring justice for Sherita Layton and her family,” said SPD spokesperson Sgt. Angie Willhite. “We urge anyone with information, no matter how small it seems, to come forward.”
The community is encouraged to provide tips by contacting the Shreveport Police Department at 318-673-7300, option 3, or submitting anonymous information through Caddo Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373 or the P3 Tips mobile app.
**A Community Calls for Change**
Layton’s death comes on the heels of another tragic shooting in Shreveport, where a 16-year-old girl was killed at a smoke shop on North Market just two days earlier, on July 27, 2025. The back-to-back losses have amplified concerns about gun violence in the city, particularly in neighborhoods like the one near Pete Harris Drive, which have been disproportionately affected.
Shreveport City Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor, who represents District A, where the shooting occurred, issued a passionate call for action and community accountability. “Our hearts are broken,” Taylor said. “Sherita Layton was a daughter of Shreveport, and her life mattered. These tragedies remind us that gun violence is never acceptable. We must work together to create safer spaces and address the root causes of this violence.”
Taylor, a longtime advocate for reducing gun violence, has emphasized the need for community cooperation and systemic change, including partnerships with law enforcement, mental health initiatives, and investments in education and youth programs. Her remarks echo the sentiments of local advocacy groups like Mothers Against Senseless Killings (MASK) Shreveport, which is helping organize a vigil in Layton’s memory scheduled for Friday evening at a nearby church. The group has also called for a citywide moment of silence to honor Layton and other victims of violence.
**A Lasting Legacy**
As Shreveport grapples with this profound loss, Sherita Layton’s family and friends are left to navigate an uncertain future. Her children, now without their mother, face an unimaginable grief, and the community is rallying to support them. The outpouring of love and calls for justice reflect Layton’s enduring legacy as a woman who brought people together.
The investigation into her death continues, with the hope that answers will bring closure to those who loved her. In the meantime, Shreveport stands united in mourning a life taken too soon and in demanding an end to the violence that has claimed so many.
