Beale St. Shooting

Gun violence is a preventable public health tragedy affecting communities all over the United States. According to the Every Town Research and Policy firm, every day more than 100 Americans die by gun violence. In Monroe, LA, a person has a 1 in 56 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime according to neighborhoodscout.com. Guns don't always make you safer; owning a firearm increases one's likelihood of dying by homicide, suicide, and unintentional injuries. According to police reports, a shooting occurred Sunday, December 5, 2021 on Beale St. in Monroe, LA. Police found a Black male victim on the floor of a residence with numerous gunshot wounds. Police identified the deceased victim as Courtenay Skinner who was dead at the scene. Officers believe there was an argument that turned physical between suspect Laquan C. Wilson, 21, a family member of the deceased victim. Wilson was charged with second degree murder. There are three sides to every story. This was one side of this story. The Monroe Dispatch welcomes the other or another side of this story.

Photo Victim Courtenay Skinner

Photo Suspect Laquan C Wilson