Ruston Police investigators are still pursuing leads in the homicide of a 14-year-old male Ruston youth on May 19.
Chief Steve Rogers said the shooting occurred at U.S. 167 and Hilly Avenue in south Ruston.
Rogers said investigators have several leads and have made progress in the case. He said the reluctance of witnesses to share information had been a hindrance in the case.
“People are much more reluctant to give information today,” Rogers said. “Back when I was investigating cases, witnesses would usually talk to us.”
Rogers said the shooting may have been a case of revenge. The 14-year-old victim had allegedly stabbed another person in an earlier incident, he said.
The investigation continues alongside that of the murder of Haleei Andrena Newton, 18, who was shot and killed while traveling on Interstate 20 near Tech Drive just after midnight Saturday.
Recent Ruston High graduate Newton and a male friend were returning from Arcadia when someone shot into the car, striking Newton. Rogers said investigators have not identified any altercation or precipitating event that may have occurred prior to the shooting.
Rogers said Newton could have been a random victim but thought it unlikely.
