Man Killed During Home Invasion by Mother of Two in Hammond

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office reports that 51 year-old Robert Rheams of Hammond, Louisiana
is deceased following a home invasion at a Hammond residence, which occurred in the early morning hours of January 8, 2023.

Chief Jimmy Travis says deputies responded to reports of shots fired at a residence on Klein Road shortly after 5:00 AM on Sunday. Detectives determined that Rheams was armed with a shovel and a lug wrench when he forced entry into the home of the victim and her two young children.

During the incident, a physical altercation took place between Rheams and the homeowner which ultimately led to Rheams being shot by the homeowner. Rheams was later pronounced deceased on scene by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner's Office.

At the time of the incident, Rheams was out on parole after serving approximately 20 years in prison for armed robbery. Detectives have also been able to tie Rheams to a carjacking which occurred hours prior to the home invasion.

No arrests were made and Chief Travis added that this case appears to be a homeowner exercising second amendment rights to protect herself and her children from a violent home invasion.

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for further review.