LA Man Michael Leslie ID’d As Fatality In Saturday Natchitoches Shooting

NATCHITOCHES, LA. (THECOUNT) — Michael Leslie, of Many, Louisiana, has been identified as the victim in a fatal shooting Saturday night in Natchitoches, according to the Natchitoches Police Department. Leslie was 20.

The homicide occurred at approximately 5:22 p.m. Saturday, May 9, near the area of Grace Avenue and Dixie Street in Natchitoches.

Officers with the Natchitoches Police Department responded after receiving reports of gunshots in the area.

According to authorities, responding officers located an overturned vehicle in the 1400 block of Grace Avenue shortly after arriving at the scene.

Police said Leslie was found inside the overturned vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Officers immediately began rendering aid while additional first responders arrived at the scene, authorities said.

Despite lifesaving efforts, Leslie was pronounced dead by the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office as a result of his injuries.

Natchitoches Police investigators stated detectives and patrol officers interviewed several witnesses following the shooting.

Authorities said witness statements helped investigators identify and collect additional digital and physical evidence connected to the homicide investigation.

Officials confirmed all evidence recovered from the scene will be submitted to a crime laboratory for additional forensic analysis.

No suspects have been publicly identified and investigators have not released information regarding a possible motive in the shooting.

Natchitoches is located in central Louisiana and is recognized as the state’s oldest permanent settlement. The Grace Avenue and Dixie Street area consists primarily of residential neighborhoods within the city.

Law enforcement personnel remained at the scene for several hours Saturday while detectives processed evidence and canvassed the area for additional witnesses and surveillance footage.

The Natchitoches Police Department stated the homicide investigation remains active and additional details will be released as they become available.

Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact Detective Davanta Stevenson at 318-357-3814 or the Natchitoches Police Department at 318-352-8101.

Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Natchitoches Crime Stoppers by calling 318-238-2388 or through the P3 Tips mobile application. Officials said qualifying information could result in a cash reward of up to $5,000.

Google Maps: 1400 block of Grace Avenue, Natchitoches, Louisiana

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