Maringouin, LA — A quiet evening in the small town of Maringouin was tragically shattered Thursday night when gunfire erupted at the Ridgewood Apartments, leaving one man dead, another injured, and an entire community reeling in grief.
Authorities have since identified the deceased as 42-year-old Ernest Adams, a lifelong resident of Maringouin remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his neighbors. Family members and friends describe Ernest as “a pillar of the community”—someone who always greeted others with a smile and never hesitated to lend a helping hand.
The shooting, which occurred just after 8 p.m., prompted a swift response from the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office. A second man, whose identity has not been released, was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. As of Friday morning, no arrests have been made, and investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for our town,” said Sheriff Brett Stassi. “Ernest Adams was well known and well loved. We are doing everything in our power to bring justice to his family and to this community.”
Residents gathered Friday afternoon for an impromptu candlelight vigil near the apartment complex, lighting candles, leaving flowers, and sharing memories of the man many simply called “Mr. Ernest.”
“He didn’t deserve this,” said longtime neighbor Clara Green. “He was the kind of man who would check on the elderly, bring groceries to people who couldn’t leave the house. Our town is hurting.”
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and investigators are continuing to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage from the area.
As Maringouin mourns the loss of one of its own, many are left grappling with the senselessness of the violence and searching for ways to support one another through the pain.
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