On the afternoon of Friday, August 21, 2026, Gonzales, Louisiana, experienced a deadly shooting at a residence on East Caldwell Street. Officers arriving shortly after 4 p.m. found two young men fatally shot: 17-year-old Tegan Daigle and 21-year-old Jared Downey.

Authorities identified a person of interest and, with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, took 17-year-old Joseph Appiah of Prairieville into custody. Appiah was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Daigle and Downey and with multiple related offenses, including criminal conspiracy, eight counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, charges tied to a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, and discharging a firearm within city limits. Investigators say illegal drug activity appears to have been a significant factor; two other persons of interest are being interviewed.

These are allegations and the case will move through the justice system. If anyone knew Tegan Daigle or has information about the shooting or the people involved, please come forward.