Victor Samuel Jr. Obituary, Death – The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office has released the identity of the teenager who was killed in a shooting on the evening of Tuesday, September 23, in Shreveport. Authorities confirmed that the victim was 17-year-old Victor Samuel Jr., who died shortly after being rushed to the hospital.
According to officials, the incident took place a little before 9:40 p.m. in the 8300 block of Harding Avenue. Police and emergency responders arrived at the scene following reports of gunfire in the neighborhood. Samuel was critically injured during the shooting and was transported to Ochsner LSU Health, where medical teams attempted to save his life. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at 11:06 p.m., less than two hours after the shooting.
Investigators are still working to piece together the details of the deadly encounter. At this time, law enforcement has not shared any information about potential suspects, motives, or what may have led to the gunfire. Detectives are speaking with witnesses in the area and reviewing any evidence that may help them understand how the violence unfolded.
The death of Samuel adds to a troubling pattern of violent incidents in the region. His killing marks the 29th homicide in Shreveport so far in 2025, and the 34th overall in Caddo Parish this year. Local leaders and residents have expressed growing concern about the rising number of deadly shootings in the community, calling for more action to curb the violence and provide safer environments for families.
While the investigation is still in its early stages, police have urged anyone with knowledge of the shooting to come forward. Authorities often rely on the cooperation of community members to help solve crimes like this, especially when information is limited in the first hours after a deadly incident.
The coroner’s announcement identifying Samuel has brought a sense of finality to a family and neighborhood now facing grief. Though no personal details about the teen have been released, his death has drawn attention to the continuing toll gun violence takes on young lives across the city.
Shreveport officials have noted that 2025 has already been a difficult year for law enforcement and families alike, with a steady rise in fatal shootings. Local organizations and community groups have been calling for stronger intervention programs aimed at young people to prevent conflicts from turning into tragedies.
As investigators work through the circumstances of the shooting, Samuel’s name is now added to a growing list of victims whose deaths reflect an urgent need to address violence in the area. His killing underscores the challenges authorities face in stopping shootings before they happen and highlights the importance of community cooperation in seeking justice.
The case remains open, and authorities are expected to release further updates as more information becomes available. For now, the family of Victor Samuel Jr. is left to mourn the loss of a teenager whose life ended far too soon.
