Lake Charles, Louisiana – Authorities in Lake Charles have identified Trakeyvan Dejay Handy, 26, as the individual fatally shot near the Lake Charles Event Center seawall early Sunday morning. The Lake Charles Police Department was called to the scene around 6 a.m. on July 20, where officers found Handy dead from a gunshot wound. The incident occurred in the waterfront area adjacent to the event center, prompting a significant police response and closure of the area behind the amphitheater to the north-side fountain.
This is an update to a story originally published on July 20, 2025. Read the original article.
Police immediately began a homicide investigation, deploying officers and crime scene tape around the property as detectives collected evidence and interviewed potential witnesses. LCPD Deputy Chief Kevin Kirkum confirmed the identity of the victim, and LCPD Chief Shawn Caldwell stated there is currently no evidence suggesting a wider threat to public safety.
Preliminary findings indicate the shooting stemmed from an argument between a group of people rather than a random act of violence. As of now, no suspects have been arrested, and the investigation remains in its early stages.
The Lake Charles Police Department is urging anyone with information relating to the shooting to come forward. Tips can be submitted by calling 337-491-1311 or anonymously through the Lake Charles Police Department app.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.