Two Charged in Triple Homicide on Benson and Grayson Avenues in Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, La. — Two individuals have been charged in connection with a deadly triple homicide that occurred late Friday, September 27th, in the area of Benson Avenue and Grayson Avenue. The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office has identified the victims as 40-year-old Shelita Vallery, 62-year-old David Celestine, and 63-year-old Paul Lewis. Celestine and Lewis were relatives of Vallery.

The suspects, 19-year-olds Dominik Franklin and Tyrone Eackles, were also injured during the incident and remain in the hospital. Upon their release, they will be booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Franklin faces three counts of first-degree murder, while Eackles has been charged with three counts of principal to first-degree murder and illegal use of a firearm.

Authorities believe that Franklin was the primary shooter, with Eackles acting as his accomplice. Investigators have linked the shooting to an ongoing feud between Franklin and the Vallery family, though further details about the nature of the dispute remain unclear.

The deadly confrontation reportedly began when Franklin and Eackles arrived at a home on Grayson Avenue and became involved in a physical altercation with the victims. The altercation quickly escalated, leading Franklin to open fire. Tragically, Vallery, Celestine, and Lewis were all fatally shot. Investigators believe that one of the victims managed to return fire, resulting in injuries to both suspects.

The investigation is still ongoing as authorities work to piece together the full details of the tragic event. The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office continues to gather evidence and encourages anyone with information about the case to come forward.

This violent incident has shaken the Baton Rouge community, leaving families of the victims mourning the loss of their loved ones. Local residents have expressed concerns about the rising violence and the toll it has taken on their neighborhoods.

As the suspects face charges for their roles in the homicides, the community hopes for justice to be served and for steps to be taken to address the underlying causes of violence in the area.