GONZALES – A Gonzales mother has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her son’s medical expenses after their insurance reportedly declined to pay for critical care. Her son was left paralyzed after being struck by a stray bullet that lodged in his back during his birthday weekend in New Orleans.
What was supposed to be a celebratory milestone—Jacoby Payne’s 18th birthday and the annual Bayou Classic—turned into a life-altering tragedy.
Crystal Payne tells UWK that her son, Jacoby, a high school senior from Gonzales, was on Canal Street when the stray bullet struck him. Jacoby sustained three broken ribs and is now paralyzed from the waist down. The bullet remains lodged in his shoulder and cannot be safely removed.
“I was at home getting my hair done when I got the call from family,” Crystal recalls. “They said Jacoby had been shot. I was very confused and upset. He got shot in the back. The bullet is still in him. The doctors said removing it could do more harm than good.”
HELP THE PAYNE FAMILY: Donate on Gofundme
Beyond his physical injuries, Jacoby faces immense emotional and mental challenges.
“He says he wishes he could die because he’s not his normal self,” she shared. “He can’t get out of bed, can’t do the normal activities he was doing before. My son, who was so full of life, now feels like he has nothing left.”
Crystal described a heartbreaking Christmas spent in the hospital, where Jacoby refused to open presents.
“He didn’t even want to look at them. He just told us to leave them. My other kids opened them and tried to show him what he got, but he just didn’t care about Christmas this year. It was heartbreaking. This is not the life he should be living.”
French Quarter violence
Jacoby was injured in one of three violent incidents in the French Quarter during the busy Bayou Classic weekend. New Orleans police say that Jacoby was shot after a fight broke out on Canal St. near the Mayfair Hotel. They say that during the choas, a single shot was fired, striking Jacoby in the back.
Police believe that shooting was related to a shooting less than two hours earlier when a 15-year-old boy was shot in the chest after a fight on Bourbon Street. Police say that one of the teen’s friends was present during the fight that led to the shooting that left Jacoby paralyzed.
Police released photos of six suspects from the Baton Rouge area connected to that shooting. The violence culminated in a quadruple shooting on Canal Street where four people were injured. Crystal expressed frustration over the lack of safety during the festive weekend, despite a heavy police presence.
“They had 400 police officers out there on patrol, and someone still managed to shoot and critically injure my son. How does this happen?” she asked. “They need to do better. This should not have happened, especially with so many officers in the area.”
Mounting Challenges
Jacoby’s recovery journey is fraught with challenges. Crystal, already a professional caregiver, will now serve as her son’s full-time caregiver. She has started a GoFundMe campaign to cover his medical care and necessary home modifications, including a wheelchair ramp and accessibility updates.
“His insurance is denying coverage for the rehab facility he desperately needs,” Crystal explained. “We’re going to have to pay for everything out of pocket—rehab, home modifications, even just the basic supplies he’ll need. I’m trying to do everything I can, but it’s overwhelming.”
Crystal says the shooting has also taken an emotional toll on their family.
“Life is forever changed,” she said. “We were just hoping to enjoy a weekend, to celebrate his birthday. And now, everything is different. I don’t understand why someone would do this—why someone would take away my son’s ability to live a normal life.”
Calls for Justice and Accountability
Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the hotel and surrounding areas, but no arrests have been made in connection to Jacoby’s shooting. Crystal is calling for increased safety measures during major events and expressed disappointment in the lack of progress in the investigation.
“There were cameras everywhere, and they still don’t have answers,” she said. “This isn’t just about my son. This is about everyone who goes to New Orleans expecting to have a good time and ends up dealing with tragedy. Something has to change.”
As Crystal advocates for justice, her focus remains on ensuring her son receives the care and support he needs.
“I just want answers. I want to know why this happened and who is responsible,” she said. “Jacoby didn’t deserve this. No one deserves this.”
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