HOUMA, La. – A tragic shooting in the 1100 block of Lafayette Street on February 1st, 2024, has left one victim dead and another injured. The Houma Police Department responded to the scene at approximately 5:45pm and found a 20-year-old male victim, Terrance Scott, with a fatal gunshot wound to the upper body. A 14-year-old male was also found with a gunshot to the upper torso and was rushed to a local medical facility for treatment.

The investigation revealed that the suspect, identified as Terrance Simms, had been employed at the Terrebonne Parish Juvenile Detention Center as a Juvenile Direct Care Associate. Simms had reportedly befriended the 14-year-old victim during his time at the detention center and had engaged in a conversation with the juvenile about the sale of a firearm. The meeting to carry out the transaction was arranged at the location of the shooting.

During the exchange, a deadly altercation occurred which resulted in gunfire, leaving Scott dead and the 14-year-old injured. Simms fled the scene but later turned himself in to authorities. He was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder. The 14-year-old victim was also arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder.

The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Houma Police Department can be reached at 985-873-6371, or anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433 or online. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.

As the community grapples with this tragedy, the police department is working diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding the shooting and bring justice to the victims and their families.