Man booked on homicide charge in son's death

Homicide
Photo credit LPSO

A man from Raceland faces charges after the shooting death of his young son.

"Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the father of a six-year-old, who was shot by his brother in February, has been charged with negligent homicide," according to a news release.  "Davonta Michel Sr., 24, of Raceland has been arrested in connection with the death of his son, six-year-old Davonta “D.J.” Michel Jr."

Authorities say Michel's two sons found a gun in the home, were playing with it, and one shot and killed the other last month.

"At 7:45 p.m. on February 22, 2023, a man called 911 and reported a small child had been shot at a residence in the 2000 block of LA Highway 182 in Raceland. The boy, later identified as Michel Jr., became unresponsive. CPR was administered on the scene, and the child was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead."

Investigators say the six-year-old child and his six-year-old brother found the loaded handgun in the home.

"Through further investigation, detectives learned the boys found the gun unsecured in their father’s bedroom. Following a full investigation into the incident, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Michel Sr."

Yesterday, Michel Sr. turned himself in at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was booked with negligent homicide. Bail is set at $200,000.

Authorities say the six-year-old boys have different mothers.

Featured Image Photo Credit: LPSO