BATON ROUGE, La. (Sept. 1, 2025) – A Southern University student has been identified as the victim of a deadly Labor Day shooting in Baton Rouge.
Police say 19-year-old Roderick Forkner, a sophomore at Southern University, was killed in the early morning hours Monday after shots were fired into a vehicle in the 5000 block of Government Street at South Foster Drive. The shooting happened just after 3 a.m.
When officers arrived, they found two people had been struck. Forkner did not survive his injuries, while the second victim, a man, was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening wounds.
Photos from the scene show several BRPD units surrounding the area, with police tape stretched around the crime scene. A vehicle at the site appeared to have multiple bullet holes. Detectives believe the victims’ car was directly targeted, though a motive has not yet been confirmed.
The loss has shaken the Southern University community. Chancellor John K. Pierre issued a heartfelt statement to students, faculty, and staff, calling Forkner’s death a tragedy for the entire Jaguar family.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Roderick Forkner, a sophomore. Mr. Forkner was a member of our Jaguar family, and his presence will be missed by those who knew him. On behalf of the University, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, classmates, and all who were involved in his life. During this difficult time, let us keep his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers, and may we find strength in supporting one another as a community.”
Police have not released details about possible suspects, and no arrests have been made. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Baton Rouge Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit at 225-389-4869 or call Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867 to remain anonymous.