GONZALES — A 17-year-old was arrested in connection with a double homicide on East Caldwell Street in Gonzales on Friday, according to the Gonzales Police Department. 

The department said that shortly after 4 p.m., officers responding to reported gunfire found 17-year-old Tegan Daigle and 21-year-old Jared Downey dead on East Caldwell Street near Downey's home.

According to witness information and video surveillance, a black BMW was seen at the residence shortly before the shooting and was seen leaving shortly after.

Detectives later identified several individuals believed to have been involved, with 17-year-old Joseph Appiah of Prairieville later being taken into custody with assistance from the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office. 

Appiah was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, principals, criminal conspiracy, manufacture, distribution or possession with intent to distribute Schedule I CDS, eight counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and discharging firearms within city limits. 

Two additional persons of interest were also identified, with interviews being conducted to determine their involvement.

“This is a senseless loss of two young lives, and the tragedy extends far beyond the two victims,” Gonzales Police Chief Sherman Jackson said. “Young people are now facing life-altering consequences because of bad decisions, drugs and violence. In a matter of moments, lives were lost, futures were shattered, and multiple families were forever changed.”

Ascension Public Schools released the following statement:

According to detectives, illegal drug activity played a factor in the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing.