Hammond Father Shoots Son Over School Dispute

A 13-year-old boy was arrested and charged with the fatal shooting of his father outside a school in Hammond, Louisiana, after an argument over attending classes at an alternative education program, according to Hammond police.

The incident occurred on the morning of April 14, 2024, when the teenager allegedly shot his father following a dispute about whether the boy should attend classes at an alternative school. Police responded to the scene and found the father with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Hammond Police Department officials confirmed that the juvenile was taken into custody shortly after the shooting and charged with second-degree murder. The boy’s identity has not been released due to his age, in accordance with Louisiana state law protecting juvenile offenders.

Authorities stated that the argument escalated quickly, leading to the use of a firearm. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the minor gained access to the weapon and whether any prior domestic disturbances had been reported to law enforcement.

The shooting took place outside a school facility in Hammond, a city in Tangipahoa Parish located approximately 45 miles northwest of New Orleans. While the specific name of the alternative school has not been disclosed by police, officials confirmed it is a program designed for students who face challenges in traditional academic settings.

Louisiana law allows juveniles as young as 10 to be charged as adults for certain violent offenses, including second-degree murder, depending on the discretion of the prosecutor and the findings of a transfer hearing. It remains unclear whether prosecutors will seek to try the 13-year-old as an adult in this case.

Alternative education programs in Louisiana are often used for students who have been expelled, are at risk of dropping out, or require specialized behavioral or academic support. These programs are typically overseen by local school districts and aim to provide structured learning environments outside conventional classrooms.

This incident adds to ongoing concerns about youth access to firearms and interpersonal violence in domestic settings. According to data from the Louisiana Department of Health, firearm-related injuries remain a leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the state, with a significant portion occurring in residential or familial contexts.

The Hammond Police Department has not released further details about the firearm used, its ownership, or any prior history of conflict between the father and son. The investigation is ongoing, and additional information may be released as the case proceeds through the juvenile justice system.

As of April 19, 2024, the teenager remains in juvenile detention awaiting his initial court appearance. No bond has been set, and a date for a preliminary hearing has not yet been announced.