LAFAYETTE, La. — A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the Sunday evening shooting that left a 6-year-old girl critically injured in Lafayette. Authorities confirmed that Daylon Andrus was taken into custody on Wednesday and booked into the Lafayette Parish Jail on one count of attempted second-degree murder. His bond has been set at $500,000.
The shooting occurred on August 24 in the 500 block of Saucier Parkway, where young Riley Francis, daughter of Jexada Francis, was struck by gunfire. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, and Riley was transported to a Baton Rouge hospital, where she remains in critical but stable condition.
According to police, details surrounding what led to the shooting remain under investigation. However, Andrus was identified as a suspect and apprehended just days after the incident, bringing a measure of relief to the shaken community.
Meanwhile, Riley’s family is facing the emotional and financial challenges of her long recovery. A GoFundMe page has been launched on their behalf, asking for community support as Jexada stays by her daughter’s side in Baton Rouge. The fundraising appeal explains that she will be unable to work while caring for her child and that Riley’s medical journey may require at least six months of intensive support and rehabilitation.
“She will not be able to work and be hands-on with her baby as she would like,” the fundraiser reads. “She’s in Baton Rouge with her 6-year-old daughter who’s in critical care and may need support beyond six months.”
Neighbors and friends have expressed shock and sorrow at the tragedy, noting that acts of violence involving children strike particularly deep in close-knit communities like Lafayette. Local officials and law enforcement have urged residents to keep the Francis family in their thoughts as Riley continues to fight for her recovery.
For now, Andrus remains behind bars as the judicial process unfolds. Police have not released further details about a potential motive or whether additional arrests may follow.
The Lafayette Police Department is asking anyone with more information about the incident to come forward as the investigation remains ongoing.