Photo: Getty Images
Dezmon Jerome Hamilton of Zachary, Louisiana was killed by a 17-year-old boy who snuck into his home to see his 14-year-old daughter last week. The teenage boy remains in a nearby hospital as he recovers from injuries he sustained during the encounter, but he will be charged with second-degree murder, illegal use of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm upon his release.
Hamilton, a well-known entrepreneur in the area, first encountered the teenage boy on July 22. The 17-year-old boy reportedly used a ladder to climb up to Hamilton's daughter's room in order to see her. However, a neighbor noticed the young man and notified Hamilton. Shortly thereafter, the 34-year-old father noticed the young man in the closet and took him downstairs to speak with him. Unfortunately, the encounter became violent. Both Hamilton and the young man exchanged gunfire until the 34-year-old was killed in the living room of his home.
After the fatal exchange, the teenager was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for injuries he sustained during the incident. Local police officers have indicated that he will remain in the hospital until his treatment is complete. Then, he will be taken into police custody where he will be charged with second-degree murder in juvenile court.
Zachary Police Chief David McDavid has indicated that three people witnessed the shooting, Hamilton's daughter, wife and mother. However, it is unclear what caused the encounter to turn violent.
"It's a tragic loss," McDavid said during a recent press conference.
"We lost a good man who was an up-and-coming entrepreneur who was trying to make this community better."
The police have not shared the name of the 17-year-old suspect or Hamilton's daughter at this time.
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