Two arrests have been made in connection with the shooting death of a seven year old girl in River Ridge, Louisiana. Jefferson Parish authorities have announced that Andre Preston of Kenner and Roger Chairs of Jefferson have been charged with first degree murder in connection with Paige Preston’s death from a gunshot wound to the neck. Both men are twenty-one years old and both were already wanted on unrelated attempted second degree murder warrants in Kenner.
Jefferson Parish authorities developed information on the suspects after determining that they were involved in an exchange of gunfire with another group of men just after 4:00 a.m. Sunday morning. It was at that time that a stray bullet struck the child, killing her. Authorities worked especially hard to locate the shooters, as this involved an innocent seven year old child.
The child was reportedly heard her crying and she was found lying on the living room floor, where her cousin and she had been sleeping. A family member called 911 just after the shooting which took place in an apartment complex on Jefferson Highway. Multiple bullet holes were found in the outer walls of the building where the child was sleeping. She was rushed to University Hospital where she died. Authorities also received calls of gunshots near South Upland and South Cumberland. Upon arrival, crime scene technicians found numerous spent 9mm shell casings. Preston is reportedly cooperating with investigators and has admitted to firing his weapon on Sunday morning. Initial reports indicate that the handgun that fired the fatal bullet has been linked to Preston. Authorities are searching for additional weapons that may have been used and expect to make additional arrests in the case.
Paige DeJean was the daughter of Sgt. Henry DeJean, a Louisiana Army National Guard sergeant and Hammond Police officer serving in the Middle East. He learned of the shooting on Sunday and was sent back to Louisiana on Monday. To read an article about Paige and her father's deployment in June of this year, please visit http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/47113572.html?showAll=y&c=y.
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