“They will need our prayers.” Mayor shares reaction following Orange killings.
Published 5:00 pm Tuesday, January 2, 2024
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Orange authorities are looking to release additional information this week on the triple homicide/suicide that occurred New Year’s Day.
Orange Police Department Sergeant Isaac Henry III declined to go into detail with Orange Newsmedia Tuesday morning when asked who reported the vicious crime to police.
He also would not at this time release details about the victim’s connections to the suspected shooter.
Henry did say authorities are looking to provide some of those answers when more information is releases sometime this week.
News of the deaths of the four individuals affected many across the community, Orange Mayor Larry Spears Jr. said, adding he visited the crime scene after learning about the tragic results.
“In the days ahead they will need our prayers, support and compassion,” Spears said of the victim’s families and loved ones.
He asks those who know the family to be their support when the need arises in this time of loss.
“This family needs the community to come together and support them any way possible,” Spears said.
Offices with the City of Orange Police Department were dispatched to 2406 North 8th Street in reference to a shooting.
Officers arrived at 7:50 a.m. Monday and discovered four people were deceased inside the home from apparent gunshot wounds.
Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Chad Jenkins later arrived, pronounced the four people deceased and ordered autopsies to be completed.
The case is being investigated by the City of Orange Criminal Investigation Division.
“Although this is an active homicide investigation, the City of Orange Police Department is confident that this was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community,” a release from police stated.
“As the investigation continues additional information will be released.”
The deceased were identified as Janiya Lewis, 17; Porsha Kiel, 34; and Bobby Kiel, 53, all of Orange and Lester Lewis, 33 of San Augustine.