LAPLACE, La. — The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deaths of two teenagers who were found shot inside a vehicle Thursday afternoon in LaPlace. Deputies responded around 2:40 p.m. on February 19, 2026, to the 1900 block of Yorktowne Drive after receiving a 911 call reporting that a vehicle had crashed into a house.
When deputies arrived, they discovered two males unresponsive inside a Toyota Camry — one in the driver’s seat and one in the front passenger seat. Authorities said both had sustained gunshot wounds. The St. John the Baptist Parish Coroner’s Office pronounced both individuals dead at the scene. No one inside the residence that was struck by the vehicle was injured, though one person was home at the time of the crash.
Officials identified the driver as 18-year-old Daniel Robles De Medina of LaPlace. The passenger was identified as 17-year-old Gerard Garret, also of LaPlace. The sudden and violent nature of the incident has left the local community stunned as investigators work to determine exactly what transpired inside the vehicle.
According to authorities, evidence collected at the scene indicates the two teens shot each other during a dispute connected to an illegal narcotics transaction. Investigators said physical evidence found inside the vehicle, along with information obtained through a search warrant for cell phone communications between the two, supports that conclusion.
Detectives reported that two firearms were recovered from inside the car. Spent shell casings located at the scene matched the two recovered weapons, further indicating that both individuals discharged firearms during the confrontation. Authorities have not released additional details about the timeline leading up to the shooting.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue reviewing evidence and completing forensic analysis. Officials have not indicated whether additional individuals may have been involved. The Sheriff’s Office said further updates will be provided as the case is finalized, while the LaPlace community grapples with the tragic loss of two young lives.
