Warrant issued for Huber Park shooting suspect

Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - A warrant has been issued for a Lake Charles 18-year-old who is accused of murder following yesterday’s Huber Park shooting, according to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s office.

Authorities are searching for Demontoriyuana Charles, 18, of Lake Charles.

Spokeswoman Kayla Vincent says deputies were dispatched to Fourth Avenue near Huber Park around 7:30 p.m. on May 24 after receiving a call about the shooting. Authorities say the person calling told them that they’d heard several shots and saw a white car leaving the area.

Markell B. Jackson, 18, of Lake Charles was brought to a hospital after being shot and was later pronounced dead.

The victim was found in the street, Vincent said. She said investigators found shell casings on Huber Park property.

The $680,000 warrant accuses Charles of:

• Second-degree murder
• Aggravated property damage
• Illegal use of a weapon.

Detectives are currently attempting to locate Charles and ask anyone with information regarding his whereabouts or have any additional information on the shooting to call the Sheriff’s Office at 491-3605.

The Mid City Baseball League had games scheduled at Huber Park Wednesday evening. The league posted a statement to Facebook, saying the shooting happened between games and did not involve the league.

Mayor Nic Hunter issued the following statement:

“The incident that took place at Huber Park yesterday evening is tragic on so many levels. Markell Jackson should still be celebrating his recent high school graduation with his family and friends. Now his family, classmates and this community are left mourning over senseless violence.

Huber Park is managed by Ward 3 Recreation under a Joint Services Agreement with the City of Lake Charles. The City has been advised that security is routinely present, but was not last night during this event. Early reports indicate that no one from the baseball games were involved in the fight; however, anytime large groups are gathered at a public space, I do believe a law enforcement presence is extremely beneficial.

Young athletes deserve the opportunity to complete their ball season without fear. Law enforcement will be present at Huber Park for the final, remaining games.

I commend and thank both LCPD and CPSO for the immediate actions taken in securing this scene.

The safety of children, families and residents is our top priority. They deserve to feel safe when visiting Huber Park, as do all citizens to any park in the City of Lake Charles.

There are so many alternatives to resolving an argument other than the use of a gun. I implore parents to sit their children down and have a serious conversation about how a pull of the trigger may take literally a second but it can negatively impact lives forever. I offer my prayers to the families and friends of all involved in this senseless tragedy.”

The Sheriff’s Office says their investigation is continuing and that more arrests are likely. They also remind anyone that is found to be assisting or harboring Charles that they will be charged accordingly.

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