MONROE, La. — The Monroe community is reeling from heartbreak and disbelief following a horrific triple homicide that claimed the lives of Li Ojay, a 26-year-old man, and a 2-year-old child early Tuesday morning. The devastating discovery has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Louisiana city as investigators work urgently to uncover what led to the senseless act of violence.
According to the Monroe Police Department (MPD), officers responded to a distress call around 5:45 a.m. Tuesday after neighbors in the 1100 block of South 8th Street reported hearing gunshots and screams coming from a nearby residence. When police arrived at the scene, they found three victims inside the home — all deceased from what appeared to be gunshot wounds.
Authorities have since confirmed the victims as Li Ojay, a well-known local resident, a 26-year-old man whose identity has not yet been released pending notification of family, and a 2-year-old child believed to be related to one or both of the adult victims.
Monroe Police Chief Victor Zordan described the crime as “deeply disturbing and tragic,” emphasizing that detectives are treating the case as a triple homicide.
“This is a heartbreaking and violent act that has devastated an entire family and shaken our community,” Chief Zordan said during a press briefing. “Our investigators are working tirelessly to determine who is responsible and bring them to justice.”
Crime scene investigators spent much of Tuesday morning combing through the home for evidence, while detectives canvassed the neighborhood, interviewing residents and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses. Several streets surrounding the crime scene were temporarily closed as law enforcement processed the area.
Neighbors told reporters they were awakened by the sound of multiple gunshots, followed by silence.
“It was terrifying,” said one neighbor, who asked not to be identified. “We heard a baby crying, and then it just went quiet. I can’t get that sound out of my head.”
Friends and loved ones of Li Ojay have taken to social media to share their grief and disbelief. Known affectionately by many in the community, Li was remembered as a kind-hearted individual who was always willing to help others.
“Li had a beautiful soul and always brought laughter wherever he went,” wrote one friend. “To think he and that precious baby are gone is unbearable.”
Authorities have not yet released any information regarding a potential suspect or motive but confirmed that no arrests have been made. Investigators have stated that there were no signs of forced entry, raising concerns that the perpetrator may have been known to the victims.
The Ouachita Parish Coroner’s Office is assisting with the investigation and will perform autopsies to determine the exact causes of death. Meanwhile, police have increased patrols in the area and urged residents to remain vigilant but reassured the public that there is no immediate threat to the broader community.
Community leaders and faith organizations have already begun mobilizing to provide emotional and spiritual support for grieving relatives and neighbors. A local church near the crime scene plans to hold a prayer vigil on Thursday evening to honor the victims and offer solace to the heartbroken community.
Mayor Friday Ellis expressed condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to finding those responsible.
“No family should ever endure such unimaginable loss,” Mayor Ellis said in a statement. “Our hearts are broken for this family, and we will not rest until justice is served.”
As Monroe mourns the tragic loss of three innocent lives, residents are left clinging to one another for comfort — searching for answers, demanding justice, and praying for peace in a community now marked by unspeakable sorrow.
The Monroe Police Department is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators at (318) 329-2600 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of North Delta at (318) 388-CASH.
For now, Monroe stands united in grief — mourning the lives of Li Ojay, a young man full of promise, and a 2-year-old child, whose future was stolen before it could begin.
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