Update
Lafayette, LA (February 18, 2025, 3:33 p.m.) – A second arrest has been made in connection with the homicide that occurred on February 9, 2025. Kaylen Jones, a 19-year-old female from St. Martinville, has turned herself in to the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. She is charged with one count of second-degree murder (accessory after the fact) and obstruction of justice (evidence tampering).
Update
Lafayette, LA (February 9, 2025, 1:14 p.m.) – Regarding the homicide investigation, the victim has been identified as Keiara Ledet, a 21-year-old black female from Lafayette, Louisiana. The incident occurred on Pinhook Rd near Carmel Dr. The suspect has been identified as Wikeem Smith, a 20-year-old black male. Wikeem Smith has been arrested and booked at Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. He is charged with second-degree murder, resisting an officer, and possession of marijuana. Smith also had an active arrest warrant from Fort Smith, Arkansas. The investigation remains ongoing.
Original
Lafayette, LA (February 9, 2025) – At approximately 1:00 a.m. this morning, Lafayette Police Department officers responded to a local hospital regarding a victim with an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.
The location of the shooting is currently unknown.
Detectives with the Lafayette Police Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Unit are on the scene and actively investigating this incident.
Further information will be released as it becomes available.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Lafayette Police Department, Louisiana State Police, or Lafayette Crime Stopper at (337) 232-TIPS (8477). You can download the LPD App and submit your information via the Submit a Tip tab. You can also contact Lafayette Crime Stoppers by downloading the P3 TIPS Mobile App or dialing **TIPS (**8477) on your mobile device. All callers remain anonymous.
