Group of teens from east Texas were engaging in ‘horseplay’ when 17-year-old fatally shot at Krewe of Gemini parade

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - The Shreveport Police Department has released more information about a deadly shooting that happened during the Krewe of Gemini parade Saturday, Feb. 18.

Police say at 5:45 p.m., officers responded to the 2200 block of the Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway service road near Magnolia Charter School. When they got there, they found a 17-year-old victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. The victim, identified as Kip Lewis, was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.

Detectives were able to determine that Lewis and his friends had traveled to Shreveport from east Texas to enjoy the parade. Witnesses told police that during the parade, the group began to horseplay and were chasing each other around the vehicle they came in with plastic swords. During this time, a 16-year-old with the group pulled out a handgun and fired a single shot, which hit Lewis. Police say multiple witnesses saw this happen.

The teen was detained on scene. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information or video footage of the incident is asked to call SPD at 318-673-7300.

The mayor of Shreveport released a statement following the two shootings that happened during the parade.

One of the shootings resulted in the death of Lewis, a student at Elysian Fields High School. Mayor Tom Arceneaux extends his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Lewis, the statement reads.

The funeral for Lewis will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 in the auditorium at Elysian Fields High School. All Elysian Fields ISD campuses will be closed that day to allow students and staffers the opportunity to attend the services.

Elysian Fields ISD also has released a statement that, in part, says:

“This is a devastating loss for our school district and the entire community. We ask that you join us in surrounding the Lewis family and friends with prayers as we commit to standing with them through this most difficult time.”

The school district’s administration says they will have extra counselors available when students and teachers return to campus Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said he mourns with the Lewis family. “I’m very sorry for the loss of the young man’s life. I know he had lots of friends at Elysian Fields High School, and I’m sure that they are all heartbroken as well.”

Lewis was a native of Marshall, Texas. Marshall ISD has asked its staffers and students to wear orange Tuesday as a show of support for Elysian Fields over the loss of Kip Lewis.

The Shreveport mayor’s office says the other shooting during the Krewe of Gemini parade appears to have started because of an argument between two parties and resulted in one person sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.

The mayor’s office says Arceneaux has been briefed about both shootings, which are “unfortunate” and “mar a significant event,” according to the statement, which was issued Monday, Feb. 20.

The Krewe of Gemini released the following statement about the incident on its Facebook page:

“The Krewe of Gemini was shocked and saddened to learn of the shooting that occurred near our parade route Saturday. We would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the Lewis Family and all those impacted.

“The Gemini Parade committee works with local authorities throughout the year to ensure safety measures are in place. Mardi Gras is supposed to be a time of celebration for our community, and we are heartbroken by this tragic event.”

Both shootings remain under investigation by SPD.

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