One Louisiana Man Killed and One Suspect on the Run After Deadly Shooting at Apartment Complex in Natchitoches Parish

Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana – One Louisiana man was killed and one suspect is on the run after a deadly shooting at an apartment complex in Natchitoches Parish.

An update to this case was published on March 28, 2023. Follow this link to read the update.

On March 26, 2023, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright reported that detectives are investigating a Sunday afternoon shooting homicide in Powhatan, Louisiana that claimed the life of a Sabine Parish man, while the Natchitoches, Sabine, and DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Offices continue their search for the suspect.

Deputies assigned to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO) Patrol Operations Bureau responded to NATCOM 911 Center reports of a shooting at Willa Point Apartments, located in the 1400 block of LA Hwy 1 North in Powhatan, Louisiana, on Sunday afternoon, March 26, 2023, at approximately 12:32 p.m.

While going to the location, deputies reportedly discovered that a gunshot victim was being transferred to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center by private vehicle.
The vehicle was intercepted and the driver was escorted to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.

Deputies gathered from witnesses that the suspect in the shooting, 20-year-old Jacoby Javon “Cobi” Forte of Mansfield, Louisiana was armed with a handgun and fled the scene.
Investigators from the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau were dispatched to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and the apartment complex to photograph the crime scene, examine it for evidence, and interview any potential witnesses.

Detectives learned that 19-year-old Jalan Dunte McGee of Zwolle, Louisiana., was pronounced dead by Natchitoches Parish Coroner Dr. Tim Collins at 1:56 pm after life-saving procedures at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center were ineffective. Mr. McGee died from one or more apparent gunshot wounds to the upper body, according to Dr. Collins.
The body is being transferred to a Forensic Pathology Office in Shreveport, Louisiana for an autopsy.

The homicide investigation was still underway at the time this was published.

Sheriff Stuart Wright stated that criminal arrest warrants for Jacoby Javon “Cobi” Forte, Age: 20, 6’02”, 220 lbs. with black hair and brown eyes, have been issued and signed by a 10th Judicial District Judge for Second Degree Murder and Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Felony.

Forte, who is on felony probation, was convicted of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm in Sabine Parish in March 2023.
Forte is said to have ties to Mansfield, Louisiana, Stanley, Louisiana, and Zwolle, Louisiana, all of which are in DeSoto and Sabine Parishes.

Forte, who is thought to be armed and dangerous, has been listed as a homicide suspect in Natchitoches Parish by the National Crime Information Center. Authorities warned that anyone who sees Forte should not approach him and should call the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-352-6432 or 318-357-7851, or their local law enforcement department.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office also indicated that anyone with information can also leave an anonymous tip by downloading the P3 tips app on their smartphone or contacting Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at 318-238-2388.

Authorities stated that the motive for the shooting is not being released at this time due to the continuing and active investigation.

Agents on this case include Detective Sgt. Craig LaCour and Detective Lt. Jonathon Byles of the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau.

A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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