Update on Tangipahoa Shooting Wednesday Evening

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO), in partnership with the Village of Tangipahoa Police Department (TPD), has concluded its investigation of a shooting case that left two dead and a teen hospitalized.

Just before 6 p.m. Wednesday (March 19, 2025), the TPD received a call about multiple victims shot outside of a mobile home located on Spruce Lane and Center Street. Officers arrived to find three men with gunshot wounds. Jayvelyn Smith, age18, was pronounced dead on scene. Two others were transported to area hospitals where one, Genesis Kelly, age 25, later died. The third victim, a 16-year-old male, is still hospitalized in stable condition.

The investigation revealed that Smith was visiting the home when he got into an argument with Kelly, who was also visiting the home. When Smith pulled a gun from his waistband, he accidentally shot himself in the leg. At some point, the 16-year-old, who was a resident of the home, was shot. The argument then spilled outside of the mobile home into the yard where Smith shot Kelly, who died on the scene. Smith later died from the initial self-inflicted gunshot wound at a hospital.

“This was an unnecessary situation that has now left three families tragically affected and our town in disbelief,” said TPD Chief Darrell Martin, “I encourage our residents to pray for our community and aim to resolve arguments with words and respect, not weapons and regrettable actions.”

“This is a truly sad situation, especially for this small community,” said Sheriff Gerald Sticker, “But we want residents in Tangipahoa, and all our municipalities, to know we will not hesitate to cross geographical boundaries to ensure safety and exact justice alongside our partners in safety.”