Second Suspect Arrested in Violet Homicide, More Sought

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The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office has arrested a second suspect, 19-year-old Malajah Lougin, in connection with a fatal shooting in Violet, Louisiana. Authorities are still searching for three additional suspects - Marcus Venible, 23, Maliek Pickens, 21, and Arthur Coleman, 20 - who are wanted for second-degree murder and principal to second-degree murder charges.

Why it matters

Violent crime remains a concern in the Violet community, and the sheriff's office is seeking the public's help to bring the remaining suspects to justice and provide closure for the victim's family.

The details

Deputies responded to a report of a shooting on Colonial Boulevard in Violet last week, where they found a 17-year-old male with a gunshot wound behind a local business. The victim was transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries. Authorities have now arrested two suspects, Malajah Lougin and Tyreese Riley, both charged as principals to second-degree murder.

• The incident occurred around 12:40 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
• Malajah Lougin was arrested on February 14, 2026.
• Tyreese Riley was arrested earlier in the investigation.

What’s next

The investigation remains ongoing, and the St. Bernard Sheriff's Office is urging witnesses to come forward with any information that could help locate the three remaining suspects.