WINNSBORO, La. — A “senseless act” of gun violence erupted in a public place Friday afternoon, sending a man to a trauma center and landing a 19-year-old suspect behind bars on attempted murder charges.
Franklin Parish Sheriff Bryan Linder reported that deputies responded to a 911 call of shots fired at the S-Mart No. 2 on Prairie Road at approximately 1:50 p.m. on December 19, 2025. Upon arrival, they discovered an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was first transported to Franklin Medical Center before being airlifted to a regional trauma center for further treatment. His current condition has not been released.
Swift Investigation Leads to Suspect’s Surrender
Investigators quickly identified Kermit Lawrence, a 19-year-old born July 24, 2006, as a person of interest. A warrant for his arrest was obtained shortly thereafter.
“Lawrence was contacted by deputies and turned himself in to our office,” Sheriff Linder stated. The suspect is now being held at the Franklin Parish Detention Center on a charge of Attempted Second Degree Murder.
Sheriff Vows Zero Tolerance for Public Violence
In a statement condemning the brazen crime, Sheriff Linder emphasized the department’s stance: “This was a senseless act in broad daylight in a public place of gun violence that our office will not tolerate.” He credited his investigators for their rapid work in making an arrest.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting remains active and ongoing. No further details about a possible motive or the relationship between the suspect and victim have been released at this time.