13-Year-Old Hero Killed While Shielding 3-Year-Old Sister in Shreveport; Two Cousins Arrested

Sha'michal Russell, 13, was fatally shot on Sept. 28 while shielding his 3-year-old sister from gunfire at the Olde Salem Village apartment complex in Shreveport, Louisiana. Two other minors — a 17-year-old and a 2-year-old — were also wounded in the same incident, according to Shreveport Police.

What Happened

Witnesses and family members say the children were playing near a basketball court when shots rang out. Sha'michal was struck and later died. His aunt, Jessica Haley, a chaplain with the Shreveport Police Department, told local outlets that he used his body to protect his younger sister, calling him a hero who put her safety above his own.

A Shreveport Police vehicleCredit: Shreveport Police Department/Facebook

"He was shielding his 3-year-old sister at the park to keep her from being hit by the bullets," said Chaplain Jessica Haley. "It was not a doubt in my mind that if this were to happen again, he would make the same decision every day. He would die to save his little sister."

Remembering Sha'michal

Family and community members described Sha'michal as kind, playful and helpful. He enjoyed sports and gospel music, often told goofy little jokes, and would help neighbors with chores like taking out the trash. The family and local residents are mourning his loss while honoring his bravery.

Awards and Recognition

The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation (formerly the Uvalde Foundation for Kids) announced it will honor Sha'michal posthumously with its Youth Heroism Award. The foundation said he will be the first teenager to receive the national award posthumously, recognizing the courage his family described.

Javieon Abbott's mugshot; Alonzo Abbott's mugshotCredit: Shreveport Police Department

Investigation and Arrests

Shreveport police announced arrests in the case. Javieon Abbott has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Sha'michal's death and later with two additional counts of attempted second-degree murder. Alonzo Abbott, identified as Javieon’s cousin, was charged with one count of principal to second-degree murder and two counts of principal to attempted second-degree murder. Police say investigators continue to follow leads and additional arrests or charges may follow as the investigation proceeds.

The shooting has left the community grieving and has prompted renewed calls for safety and accountability. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Shreveport Police Department.