An evening sleepover on Maple Street in Morgan City, Louisiana, ended in tragedy on February 12, 2022, when 11-year-old Van Joseph Hunt was shot and killed. The child was attending the gathering when a loaded shotgun was introduced. A 14-year-old boy picked up the firearm, aimed it at Van and discharged it; the projectile struck Van in the back of the head. First responders were unable to revive him.

The Morgan City Police Department investigated and identified the 14-year-old as the primary suspect; he was taken into custody on allegations of murder in connection with Van’s death. The community was left mourning the loss of a child.

Are there any witnesses or neighbors who remember the sleepover or saw the events that night?