Shawn Harper, of Pineville, and Kay’irian Barber died in Alexandria, LA murder-suicide

ByGregory Akams July 31, 2024

Shawn Harper, of Pineville, and Kay’irian Barber died in AlexandriaKay’irian Barber Death: Law enforcement agencies in Alexandria, LA are investigating a murder-suicide on Friday. Police said officers were called around 2:35 pm to a scene on West Sycamore Street. Arriving officers two individuals dead with gunshot wounds. New details have emerged concerning the shooting that happened on the night of July 28 on West Sycamore Street in Alexandria.

Arriving officers found 33-year-old Shawn Harper, of Pineville, and 23-year-old Kay’irian Barber, of Alexandria, from gunshot wounds. Police said the two died at the scene.

APD said a third person was also shot and then taken to a hospital in critical condition on July 28.The victim and the suspect were in a relationship.

Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy said the shooting is now been investigated a murder-suicide.“In the case of West Sycamore, it was apparent early on that it was domestic. We’ve talked about that the…I will not say ‘inability’ to prevent, but I will say it is very hard for you guys to know when a domestic issue is going to come, if not mostly not possible most of the time, so when they occur…and this was a murder-suicide.”

“There may be pressure on Chief Gremillion and his folks to say that early on, but there’s not a reason to do that if there is not a dynamic instance at play.”

Central Louisiana Technical Community College: Earlier this week, we were devastated to learn Sunday, our beloved friend Ms. Kay’irian “Kay” Barber’s life was tragically ended by a senseless act of domestic violence. Kay worked at our Alexandria Campus as part of the support team for a partnering organization. Kay’s family has requested those attending her Homegoing Celebration wear shades of blue, her favorite color, or purple to represent Domestic Violence Awareness. In addition, CLTCC’s campuses are encouraged to honor her memory by wearing these special colors on Thursday, August 1st.