Juvenile Pleads Not Guilty in Ville Platte Shooting That Left 11-Year-Old Paralyzed

The child accused in the August 2025 incident is set for adjudication on June 16th.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:49am

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A juvenile has pleaded not guilty in connection with a shooting in Ville Platte, Louisiana that left an 11-year-old boy paralyzed from the neck down. The victim, Joel Moscovis, was shot after an argument during a basketball game in August 2025. He now requires a ventilator to breathe due to the severe spinal injury. The child's mother, Hannah Moscovis, is speaking out to advocate for her son and ensure the full story is told.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact of gun violence on young victims and the need for accountability, as well as the challenges faced by families dealing with life-altering injuries. It also raises questions about juvenile crime, access to firearms, and the availability of support services for victims and their loved ones.

The details

According to authorities, the juvenile accused in the shooting pleaded not guilty during an arraignment hearing on Tuesday morning in Evangeline Parish. The incident occurred on August 9, 2025, when the 10-year-old victim, Joel Moscovis, was shot after an argument during a basketball game. The shooting left Joel paralyzed from the neck down and requiring the use of a ventilator to breathe. Joel's mother, Hannah Moscovis, is speaking out to advocate for her son and ensure the full story is told, as she says initial reports incorrectly characterized the incident as an accident.

  • The shooting occurred on August 9, 2025.
  • The juvenile accused in the shooting pleaded not guilty during an arraignment hearing on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
  • The juvenile's adjudication hearing is scheduled for June 16th.

The players

Joel Moscovis

An 11-year-old boy who was shot and left paralyzed from the neck down, requiring the use of a ventilator to breathe.

Hannah Moscovis

The mother of Joel Moscovis, who is speaking out to advocate for her son and ensure the full story is told about the incident.

Juvenile Suspect

A child accused in the shooting of Joel Moscovis, who has pleaded not guilty and is set for adjudication on June 16th.

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What they’re saying

“My friend said, okay, now I'm going to have to share with you the news has put it out as that it was an accident. And I said, this is this is not right...we just need to make the story correct.”

— Hannah Moscovis, Mother of Victim

“It needs to be understood what was going on with the child's face so that he doesn't go back into the community and it happens to someone else, but also just to get him the help that he needs.”

— Hannah Moscovis, Mother of Victim

What’s next

The juvenile accused in the shooting is set for adjudication on June 16th.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of gun violence on young victims and the urgent need for accountability, support services, and community-based solutions to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.