Family Seek Answers in Officer-Involved Shooting

A Morehouse Parish family is seeking answers and justice regarding the circumstances that led to the death of a loved one following a traffic stop. Morehouse Parish law enforcement authorities said that on November 26, 2024, after an officer-involved shooting, an investigation was underway after 22-year-old Marquez Crowder was shot and killed by a yet-to-be-identified officer.

Following the shooting, the family and supporters of Crowder have requested that the Louisiana State Police conduct the investigation (the sheriff must request one), after they held a protest in front of the Morehouse Parish Sheriff's Office in Bastrop. The family has said that it can't rest until there are answers to the tragedy.

Shonnie Trotter, speaking on behalf of the families, asked, "How many times must the community go through another shooting before they get justice?" Trotter also said that they "are a family of faith with a strong church family" and know that Marquez's death served a purpose. She added that because of their strong faith in God, they know how to forgive.

As of press time, scant details have been provided by law enforcement, only saying that when the stop was initiated, the victim allegedly ran away from the officer armed with a handgun. The victim was shot and taken to a hospital, where he died from his wounds. No other details have been provided.

Trotter said that her nephew's death "was not in vain," and that its purpose was to make sure that justice is served in their community. The families are not alone, as NAACP representative Verbon Muhammad spoke out in support, saying that the organization stands with the Lee and Crowder families seeking justice. This comes as another routine traffic stop ends in the death of another young man as Thanksgiving is being celebrated.

Some said that Crowder is not the only one to die at the hands of the unidentified officer who allegedly shot him. Some have said that the officer allegedly fired 10 times. It was also alleged that the officer is well known in the community for harassing residents. Additionally, it was alleged that someone with medical training who witnessed the shooting was denied the opportunity to render aid to the victim. Multiple gunshots, allegedly from the officer, were heard in video of the shooting.

As of now, the families have many questions but few answers.