The city of Baton Rouge was left shaken and heartbroken following the tragic shooting on November 27, 2024, that claimed the life of 8-year-old Diellon Daniels and critically injured his two young siblings. In the wake of this senseless violence, the Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD) swiftly apprehended 22-year-old Kendrick Profit, who has been charged with first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, obstruction of justice, and illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities. The arrest follows an intensive investigation into a shooting that authorities have described as a targeted attack, with more than 60 rounds fired into a vehicle occupied by a pregnant mother and her three children.
The incident unfolded on a quiet Wednesday evening in the 1000 block of Swan Avenue near Scenic Highway, a residential neighborhood in Baton Rouge. Around 7 p.m., reports of gunfire prompted an urgent response from multiple BRPD units and ambulances. When officers arrived at the scene, they were met with a devastating sight: a Honda Accord riddled with bullet holes, having crashed into a tree. The car had been struck by a hail of gunfire, leaving behind a chilling trail of approximately 60 shell casings scattered across the area. The violence was unprecedented, and even seasoned officers were stunned by the sheer magnitude of the attack.
Inside the vehicle was a pregnant woman, later identified as the mother of the three children, who miraculously escaped unharmed. However, her children were not as fortunate. Eight-year-old Diellon Daniels and his two siblings, ages 6 and 4, had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders rushed all three children to the hospital, where doctors fought tirelessly to save their lives. Despite their best efforts, young Diellon succumbed to his injuries later that night. His two brothers remain hospitalized, one in critical condition and the other in serious but stable condition.
Adding to the mother’s grief and trauma, she went into labor the very next day, delivering her baby in the aftermath of the harrowing ordeal. Authorities have withheld her identity to protect her privacy, but community members and officials alike have lauded her resilience and bravery amid such a devastating event.
The arrest of Kendrick Profit came after days of relentless investigative work by the BRPD. According to law enforcement, Profit, who has a documented history of criminal activity including theft and aggravated flight from an officer, was apprehended at a residence in Baton Rouge without incident. He was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, where he remains in custody. Police have yet to disclose the specific evidence linking Profit to the crime, but sources close to the investigation have indicated that ballistic evidence, surveillance footage, and witness testimony all played crucial roles in identifying him as the primary suspect.
Investigators are continuing to work on uncovering the motive behind the shooting, which they have characterized as a “targeted attack.” While details remain sparse, authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional suspects being involved. The nature of the attack, with its high number of rounds fired, has led investigators to believe that it may have been premeditated and possibly gang-related. However, no formal connections to organized crime have been announced at this time.
The senseless killing of Diellon Daniels has left the Baton Rouge community grappling with grief and outrage. Diellon, described by neighbors and friends as a vibrant, playful, and kind-hearted child, was a beloved figure in his neighborhood. His untimely death has sparked renewed calls for action to address the ongoing issue of gun violence in Baton Rouge, a city that has struggled with high rates of violent crime in recent years. Local leaders, including Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome, have expressed their condolences to the Daniels family while emphasizing the urgent need for community-wide efforts to combat violence.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for our city,” Mayor Broome said in a statement. “No child should ever have to endure what Diellon and his siblings went through, and no mother should have to bury her child. We must work together as a community to end this cycle of violence and ensure that justice is served for the Daniels family.”
The tragedy has also reignited debates about the prevalence of illegal firearms and the challenges law enforcement faces in curbing gun-related violence. Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul addressed these concerns during a press conference, highlighting the need for stronger partnerships between law enforcement and community organizations. “The violence we are seeing is unacceptable. We are committed to bringing those responsible to justice, but we also need the community’s help to prevent these tragedies from happening in the first place,” Chief Paul said.
The attack on Swan Avenue is emblematic of a larger national crisis. Across the United States, cities and towns continue to grapple with the devastating effects of gun violence, particularly on children and families. According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, firearm-related deaths have become the leading cause of death for children in the United States, surpassing motor vehicle accidents in recent years. Advocacy groups like Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety have used incidents like the Swan Avenue shooting to call for stricter gun control measures and increased resources for community intervention programs.
In Baton Rouge, community leaders and organizations have mobilized to support the Daniels family and raise awareness about the toll of gun violence. Candlelight vigils, prayer services, and fundraising efforts have been organized to honor Diellon’s memory and provide financial assistance to the family as they navigate the aftermath of this tragedy. A GoFundMe campaign established to cover medical and funeral expenses has garnered widespread support, with donations pouring in from across the state and beyond.
As the legal process unfolds, the Daniels family and the Baton Rouge community await answers and accountability. The charges against Kendrick Profit, including first-degree murder and multiple counts of attempted murder, carry the possibility of life imprisonment or even the death penalty under Louisiana law. Prosecutors have indicated that they will pursue the case vigorously, with East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore III vowing to seek justice for Diellon and his family. “This was a heinous crime that took the life of an innocent child and endangered an entire family. We will do everything in our power to hold the perpetrator accountable,” Moore said.
The emotional toll of the shooting extends far beyond the Daniels family. For the first responders who arrived at the scene, the experience was both harrowing and heartbreaking. Several officers and paramedics involved in the case have sought counseling through the department’s mental health resources, underscoring the profound impact such incidents have on those tasked with responding to them.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers, and a reward is being offered for information leading to additional arrests or convictions. The hope is that community cooperation will not only aid in the resolution of this case but also contribute to broader efforts to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The loss of Diellon Daniels serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of violence. For his family, friends, and the entire Baton Rouge community, his memory will endure as a call to action—a plea for peace, justice, and a future where children can grow up free from the shadow of violence. As they mourn his loss, they also hold onto the hope that his story will inspire change and bring about a safer, more compassionate world.
