Tangipahoa Parish, LA (1/9/2023) – The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office reports one subject is deceased following a home invasion. The home invasion occurred at a Hammond residence early on January 8, 2023.
A Sheriff’s spokesperson says deputies responded to reports of shots fired at a residence on Klein Road shortly after 5:00 AM on Sunday. During the course of the investigation, detectives were able to determine the suspect, later identified as 51-year-old Robert Rheams of Hammond, was armed with a shovel and a lug wrench when he forced entry into the home of the victim and her two young children.
During the incident, a physical altercation occurred between Rheams and the homeowner, ultimately leading to Rheams being shot by the homeowner. Rheams was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office.
At the time of the incident, Rheams was out on parole after serving approximately 20 years in prison for armed robbery. Detectives have also been able to tie Rheams to a carjacking that occurred hours before the home invasion.
No arrests were made in this investigation. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for further review.
The spokesperson concluded by adding this case appears to be a homeowner exercising second amendment rights to protect herself and her children from a violent home invasion.
