HAMMOND — Deputies in Tangipahoa Parish have now arrested three people in connection with a drive-by shooting on the I-55 on ramp that left an 18-year-old dead.
Elliot James, 18, and Cormine Thomas, 20, have each been booked on one count of second-degree murder. DeAlvin Davis, 19, has been booked on one count each of accessory to second-degree murder, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a machine gun. Davis was initially charged back in April in connection to the shooting.
Around 2 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22, TPSO received reports of shots fired on the I-55 northbound entrance ramp at University Avenue. Deputies arrived to find two vehicles pulled over on the on-ramp with one of the drivers, 18-year-old Ravell Javion Steptoe, dead from a gunshot wound. Two others in the vehicles were unharmed, according to officials.
The two vehicles — a black Kia sedan driven by Steptoe and a blue Ford Mustang driven by Steptoe’s relative — had pulled over to exchange an item, per TPSO. While pulled over, another vehicle allegedly drove past and fired at the cars, striking Steptoe, who died of his injuries.
The investigation ultimately identified the suspect vehicle as Davis’s silver Lexus. At this time, the motive appears to be gang-related, according to TPSO.
“This was a challenging case with very limited details to work from. But I am proud of our investigative team for working so diligently to ensure justice for Ravell and his loved ones,” said Sheriff Gerald Sticker.
Original story May 2
Officials in Tangipahoa Parish have arrested a 19-year-old in connection to a deadly I-55 on ramp shooting from February and deputies continue searching for a second wanted person.
On Thursday, April 30, 19-year-old DeAlvin Davis was charged with one count of accessory to second degree murder. Davis was already in the Tangipahoa Parish Jail awaiting trial on unrelated charges. A second suspect is still wanted.
It was around 2 a.m. Sunday, when TPSO received reports of shots fired on the I-55 northbound entrance ramp at University Avenue. At the scene, deputies arrived to find two vehicles pulled over on the on-ramp with one of the drivers, 18-year-old Ravell Javion Steptoe, dead from a gunshot wound.
Two others in the vehicles were unharmed, according to officials.
The two vehicles — a black Kia sedan driven by Steptoe and a blue Ford Mustang driven by Steptoe’s relative — had pulled over to exchange an item, per TPSO. While pulled over, another vehicle allegedly drove past and fired at the cars, striking Steptoe, who died of his injuries.
At this time, details have not been released into the shooting itself including a motive. Detectives are asking anyone who was in the area of I-55 and University around 2 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, to report any vehicles or activity they observed in the area.
Please contact TPSO’s Criminal Investigations Office at 985-902-2088. If people wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers or Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip!
Tips submitted directly through Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.
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