Baton Rouge, LA (3/18/2023) – Matthew Fortenberry, 11, was shot and killed in the 5600 block of Crestway Ave around 6:30 pm Thursday, March 16, 2023, evening while sitting inside a vehicle.
Matthew was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A photo of Matthew was released by Life Tabernacle Church on Friday, March 17, 2023.
Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD) reported the 17-year-old suspect held Matthew Fortenberry and four other people hostage inside a car. The reason the they were being held in the car is not known at this times. A witness told police the 17-year-old started to flee from the area, however he was fired upon by someone that wasn’t in the car. It was at that time when he fired on the car on the car and several rounds hit Matthew.
BRPD Officers located a 17-year-old suspect in the 6300 Block of Greenwell St suffering from gunshot injuries. The juvenile suspect was transported to a local hospital. The suspect was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for first-degree murder, four counts of attempted first-degree murder, false imprisonment with a dangerous weapon, and illegal discharge of a firearm.
This shooting is still under investigation.
Anonymous tips can be reported to the Capital Region Crime Stoppers by calling (225) 344-7867.
Source: BRPD, Life Tabernacle Church
