By Josh Auzenne
INDEPENDENCE, LA (WAFB) - A double homicide investigation is underway in Tangipahoa Parish after a woman and boy were found dead in a home Sunday, Dec. 23.
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office reports the “tragic incident” claimed the lives of a 42-year-old woman and 13-year-old boy. Family members identified the victims as Daytra Miller and her son, Robert West Jr. The family is hoping the community can help with the investigation.
“Anyone that has any information that would help us to solve this unthinkable crime that you would please contact Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office,” said Gloria McGee, a family member.
Deputies say the home where it happened is located at the corner of Fontana Road and Labruzza Lane in Independence. One of the neighbors who knew the family says they were kind people.
“I hate that happened. They were some good people, little boy and the mother, all of them fine people,” said Harold McKinley.
The principal of Tangi Academy, the school West attended, released a statement on the murder Monday afternoon, saying everyone at the school is saddened to hear the news.
“He was a kind, gentle, helpful, and caring young man who always put others before himself. In one of his latest assignments in Mrs. Garner’s ELA class, he wrote about wanting to be a professional fisherman. He loved fishing because his grandfather taught him how to fish. Robert would always stop in my office to ‘check out’ my fish tank. He even gave me a few tips on the proper ways to care for fish since mine kept dying in the beginning of the school year. I finally got it right and the two that remain have been going strong since early September, thanks to some of his advice,” said Principal Jackie Wilson in the statement.
Detectives say they believe the person who committed the “heinous crime” knew the victims.
They added additional information will be released when it becomes available as long as it doesn’t jeopardize the investigation.
Anyone with information on this crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-554-5245. The sheriff’s office is offering a $2,500 reward to anyone with information leading to an arrest.
“Crime Stoppers has proven to be useful tool in these types of investigations, and we are hopeful that someone with relevant information will step up and help put those responsible for this horrific crime behind bars,” said Sheriff Daniel Edwards. “One thing we do know is that there are people out there who have information about these murders. We want that information or anything that will lead us in the direction of the shooter(s).”
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