ASCENSION PARISH, LA — Arrest Made in Deadly Interstate 10 Drive-By Shooting: 19-Year-Old Jakiryn Johnson Charged with Murder; More Arrests Expected

Detectives with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office (APSO) Violent Crimes Unit have arrested Jakiryn Johnson, 19, in connection with a deadly interstate shooting that occurred during the early morning hours of Sunday, June 8, 2025. The incident, which authorities describe as a targeted and violent drive-by attack, resulted in the death of 20-year-old Dantrell Gibbs of Donaldsonville and the critical injury of two others.

Johnson is facing a host of serious felony charges, including:

• First-degree murder
• Three counts of attempted first-degree murder
• Illegal use of weapons
• Assault by drive-by shooting
• Aggravated damage to property

He was booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on Monday, June 9, as detectives continue their investigation and expect to make additional arrests in the days to come.

🚨 Timeline of the Incident

At approximately 2:00 a.m. on June 8, APSO deputies responded to reports of gunfire along westbound Interstate 10. Upon arrival, they discovered a vehicle riddled with bullet holes. Inside were several male occupants, three of whom had been struck by gunfire, including Dantrell Gibbs, who was critically injured.

The vehicle, despite the assault, managed to exit the interstate and the victims called 911. Emergency medical teams rushed the injured to a local hospital for treatment. Tragically, Gibbs later succumbed to his injuries, sparking a homicide investigation.

🔍 The Investigation Unfolds

Following initial interviews and evidence collection, detectives quickly developed a working theory: this was not a random act of violence. The shooting appeared to be retaliatory or targeted, prompted by a confrontation earlier in the night.

Through investigative leads, officers learned that the individuals involved—both suspects and victims—had attended a graduation celebration at the Civic Center in Gonzales hours before the shooting. After the event, many attendees congregated at the Waffle House and nearby businesses along Highway 30, a popular late-night gathering spot.

At some point during the gathering, a dispute broke out between members of opposing groups. While details surrounding the confrontation are still being investigated, authorities believe it escalated dramatically when the suspects followed the victims onto I-10 and opened fire from a white GMC Sierra. Evidence also suggests that gunfire was exchanged, meaning the victims returned shots during the ambush.

👮 Arrest of Jakiryn Johnson

By Monday, June 9, detectives had identified Jakiryn Johnson as one of the shooters. Using surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and forensic evidence, law enforcement swiftly located and arrested Johnson. His arrest is considered a major breakthrough in the case, but detectives have made it clear—more individuals were involved, and additional arrests are imminent.

📢 Law Enforcement Response

The shooting has prompted an urgent and coordinated response from local law enforcement. Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre, along with Gonzales Police Chief Sherman Jackson, issued a joint statement emphasizing their commitment to ensuring public safety and de-escalating tensions.

“We are actively working to prevent further violence,” Sheriff Webre told local media. “This was a targeted, reckless act of violence that endangered countless lives on a major interstate. It will not be tolerated.”

To that end, officials announced plans to increase law enforcement presence along the Highway 30 Corridor, including:

• Multi-agency patrols
• Enhanced surveillance around high-traffic businesses
• Joint task forces from APSO, the Gonzales Police Department, and potentially state or federal partners

“We’re creating a multi-jurisdictional task force,” Webre said. “It needs to happen, and it needs to happen now.”

💬 Community Urged to Step Forward

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the events of June 8 or the parties involved to contact the APSO or Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and investigators believe community cooperation will be crucial in bringing all suspects to justice.

⚖️ What’s Next

As Johnson remains in custody, prosecutors are expected to pursue maximum charges given the violent and public nature of the crime. A bond hearing and grand jury review are expected in the coming days, which will further determine the trajectory of the case.

Meanwhile, funeral arrangements for Dantrell Gibbs are pending, and his family has requested privacy as they grieve the sudden and senseless loss of their loved one.

🕯️ A Community in Mourning

The tragedy has left residents of Ascension Parish shaken, not only because of the loss of young life but also because of the brazen nature of the violence on a public highway. Community leaders, clergy, and youth advocates are now calling for unity and intervention before further violence erupts.

As law enforcement presses forward with its investigation, the community waits for justice—determined to honor the life of Dantrell Gibbs and to ensure that such violence never strikes again.