In the predawn hours of May 12, 2025, a vibrant young life was extinguished, and a community was left grappling with grief and shock. Bradley Blunt, a 23-year-old Hammond resident, was fatally shot in a violent incident that unfolded outside The Soap Opera laundromat on North Morrison Boulevard, a typically quiet corner of this Louisiana city. The tragedy, which also left a 2-year-old child and a 22-year-old man injured, has cast a somber shadow over Hammond, prompting urgent calls for answers and action.
The Hammond Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 2:48 a.m. in the parking lot of the laundromat, located at 1001 North Morrison Boulevard. Officers arrived to a chaotic scene, discovering three victims with gunshot wounds. Blunt, described by those who knew him as a lively and kind-hearted individual, was rushed to North Oaks Medical Center, where medical staff fought to save him. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a grieving family and a community in mourning. The other victims, identified as Raleign Honor, 22, of Tickfaw, and a toddler, were also transported to the hospital. Authorities confirmed that both sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover physically, though the emotional scars of such an event may linger.
Investigators moved swiftly to piece together the events leading to the shooting. Their efforts led to the arrest of Janvourian Franklin, a 23-year-old Hammond resident identified as the primary suspect. Franklin, who arrived at North Oaks Medical Center seeking treatment for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound of his own, was taken into custody upon his discharge. He now faces a litany of serious charges, including one count of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder, and illegal discharge of a firearm. The circumstances surrounding Franklin’s own injury and his precise role in the incident remain under scrutiny as detectives work to untangle the sequence of events.
Further investigation revealed an alleged accomplice, Demetriane Anderson, Franklin’s 20-year-old sister. Authorities believe Anderson played a supporting role in the crime, leading to her arrest and charges of one count of principal to first-degree murder and three counts of principal to attempted first-degree murder. The involvement of siblings in such a violent act has added a layer of complexity to the case, raising questions about the motives and dynamics that precipitated the shooting.
The incident has sent ripples through Hammond, a city of approximately 20,000 residents known for its close-knit community and vibrant local culture. The Soap Opera laundromat, an unassuming fixture in the city, has become an unexpected focal point for discussions about public safety and the broader issue of gun violence. Community leaders and residents alike are calling for unity and solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Hammond Police Department is actively seeking information from the public to aid in their investigation. Detectives have emphasized the importance of community cooperation, urging anyone with details about the shooting to come forward. Tips can be shared directly with Detective Randall Baudier at (985) 277-5740 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245, with the possibility of a cash reward for information leading to further breakthroughs in the case.
As the investigation continues, the loss of Bradley Blunt remains at the heart of this story. His death, coupled with the injuries to a young child and another community member, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violence. For now, Hammond mourns, but it also looks toward healing, driven by a collective resolve to seek justice and foster a safer future for all its residents.
