Baton Rouge Police Sought Three Men After Parade Shooting

Three suspects are wanted for an attack that injured two people following the Southern University homecoming parade.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Violence

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Baton Rouge police are actively seeking three suspects linked to a retaliatory shooting on Osprey Avenue that injured two people following the Southern University homecoming parade. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Baton Rouge authorities are searching for three men accused of a retaliatory shooting at 1000 Osprey Avenue. The incident occurred on September 27, 2026, leaving two people injured and damaging three vehicles.

Why it matters

The shooting was allegedly an act of retaliation against a victim for cooperating with a previous police investigation. Police report the suspects targeted individuals fleeing the Southern University homecoming parade.

Kendrick Keller Jr., 18, and Jakhireyus Franklin, 19, face seven counts of attempted first-degree murder, while Jahiem Johnson, 20, is wanted for principal to the attempt. The charges also include three counts of aggravated criminal damage.

The players

Baton Rouge Police Department

The local agency is responsible for investigating the shooting and pursuing the three suspects.

Kendrick Keller Jr.

He is an 18-year-old suspect wanted by police for his alleged role in the shooting.

Jakhireyus Franklin

He is a 19-year-old suspect accused of using a handgun to fire upon victims.

Jahiem Johnson

He is a 20-year-old suspect alleged to have instigated the retaliatory shooting.

The details

Investigators allege Keller used an AR-15 and Franklin utilized a handgun to fire at vehicles carrying victims, including a 12-year-old minor. Johnson is accused of instigating the attack and threatening the victim over a 2025 arrest.

Timeline

  1. The victim provided a statement leading to a prior arrest in 2025.

  2. The shooting occurred on September 27, 2026, following a parade.

Legal Context

This case follows a pattern of retaliatory violence against witnesses involved in prior police cooperation. Such incidents highlight the ongoing security challenges authorities face when protecting individuals who provide testimony leading to arrests.

The investigation highlights ongoing safety concerns in the areas surrounding major event venues in Baton Rouge. Residents are advised to report any information regarding the location of the three suspects to local authorities.

The takeaway

This case underscores the severe risks associated with retaliatory violence and the legal consequences of targeting witnesses. Ensuring witness security remains a critical component for investigators seeking to maintain the integrity of the judicial process.

Further reading

For more information on public safety incidents in the area, visit the Baton Rouge Violence section.