The life of Hope Alexandria Coleman, a 12-year-old female, was cut short by gunfire on Saturday, September 14, 2024, in Alexandria, Louisiana. The shooting occurred at a residence on Cypress Street and also left Hope’s father wounded. The violent act sent shockwaves through the community and left a family grappling with an unimaginable loss. In the aftermath, Hope's grandmother established a GoFundMe page to help the family with expenses for shelter and food.
The Alexandria Police Department, with assistance from the Louisiana State Police, immediately launched an investigation to find those responsible. Their work quickly led to the identification of three suspects. On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, police arrested the first suspect, 38-year-old Kayla Wooten. A search was then announced for two brothers, 31-year-old Deroyce May II and 32-year-old Latraykus May, who were described as armed and dangerous.
The manhunt for the remaining suspects concluded within a day.
Deroyce May II was apprehended first, and his brother Latraykus May turned himself in to authorities on the afternoon of Thursday, September 19, 2024. With all three individuals in custody, the investigation continued. Law enforcement encouraged anyone with information to contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at (318) 441-6416 or APD Dispatch at (318) 441-6559.
Kayla Wooten, Deroyce May II, and Latraykus May were each charged with Second Degree Murder, Attempted Second Degree Murder, and Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property. All three were held in custody without bond. In January 2025, Kayla Wooten was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Later reports indicated that prosecutors had offered Wooten a potential plea deal that would reduce her charge in exchange for her testimony against the May brothers, though it was not clear if she would accept the offer.
As of September 2026, the criminal proceedings against Wooten, Deroyce May II, and Latraykus May remain pending trial in the 9th Judicial District Court in Rapides Parish.
