14-Year-Old Shot by Neighbor in Louisiana While Kids Play Hide and Seek Outside
STARKS, Louisiana (May 7, 2023) — A quiet neighborhood in Starks, Louisiana, was shattered early Sunday morning when a 14-year-old girl was tragically shot in the head while playing hide and seek with friends outside. The incident has left the community reeling and prompted swift action from local law enforcement.
According to a statement from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a distress call reporting a shooting at a residence in Starks.
Upon arrival, they found the young victim with a gunshot wound to the back of her head. Emergency services were immediately summoned, and the girl was rushed to a nearby hospital where she remains in critical condition.
The alleged shooter, identified as 58-year-old David V. Doyle, was apprehended at the scene without incident.
Authorities disclosed that Doyle, a resident of the neighborhood where the shooting occurred, purportedly discharged his firearm at a group of children who had wandered onto his property while playing.
Tragically, one of the bullets struck the teenage girl, though initial reports indicate Doyle was unaware of her presence.
“Investigators learned that the children were using Doyle’s property as part of their hide and seek game,” stated Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Deputy Sarah Lawson.
“Doyle claimed to have noticed movement outside his home and reacted by retrieving his firearm. Upon returning outside, he observed figures running away and discharged his weapon.”
Doyle now faces a series of serious charges, including aggravated battery and multiple counts of aggravated assault with a firearm.
Additionally, he has been charged with illegal discharge of a firearm. As of the latest updates, Doyle remains incarcerated pending further legal proceedings.
The incident has reignited discussions about firearm safety and the consequences of gun violence.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), firearm-related injuries are a significant public health issue in the United States, claiming thousands of lives annually.
In 2020 alone, there were 45,222 deaths attributed to firearms, underscoring the urgency of addressing such incidents and their broader impact on communities.
The shooting in Starks is currently under investigation by local authorities, who are working diligently to uncover additional details surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, neighbors and community members have expressed shock and sympathy for the victim and her family, hoping for her swift and complete recovery.
“This is a deeply tragic event that has affected everyone involved,” remarked Sheriff William Carter in a public statement. “Our thoughts are with the young girl and her loved ones during this difficult time.”
As the investigation unfolds, residents of Starks and beyond remain hopeful for justice and healing in the wake of this devastating incident.
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