Deadly Shooting Rocks Baton Rouge: 25-Year-Old Prenesha Wagner Killed, Multiple Injured in Chaos Outside After-Hours Venue
BATON ROUGE, LA — The Baton Rouge community is reeling from a devastating tragedy following a deadly shooting that occurred in the early hours of Sunday, June 22, 2025. The incident, which unfolded around 2:30 a.m. in the 3500 block of South Choctaw Drive near the Acadian Thruway, has left one young woman dead and several others injured, sparking grief, outrage, and renewed concerns about gun violence in the city.
According to Baton Rouge Police Department officials, 25-year-old Prenesha Wagner was killed in the shooting, which broke out in the parking lot of what authorities say was an after-hours venue operating late into the night. Investigators believe the violence was the result of a dispute that escalated into gunfire, though the exact circumstances remain under active investigation.
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic and terrifying atmosphere as gunshots rang out suddenly, sending dozens of people scrambling for cover. “It was just mayhem,” said one local resident who lives nearby. “You could hear people screaming, tires screeching, and then the sirens. So many sirens.”
First responders arrived swiftly to the scene and discovered multiple gunshot victims. Prenesha Wagner was found critically wounded and was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The identities and conditions of the other injured victims have not yet been publicly released, but police have confirmed that several individuals are being treated for injuries ranging from minor to serious.
Wagner’s family is devastated by the loss. Described as a bright, loving, and fiercely loyal young woman, Prenesha was known for her vibrant personality and deep love for her community. She leaves behind a 4-year-old son, as well as heartbroken parents, siblings, and close friends.
“She was the light of our lives,” said her cousin, Tamika Johnson, in an emotional statement. “Prenesha didn’t deserve this. She was just out with friends, trying to enjoy herself. Now she’s gone, and our family is shattered.”
Law enforcement officials have not announced any arrests as of Monday afternoon but say that detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and seeking tips from the public. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
“We are committed to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice,” said BRPD spokesperson Sgt. L’Jean McKneely. “Gun violence has no place in our city, and we are asking for the community’s help as we work through the facts of this case.”
The shooting has reignited conversations about the proliferation of after-hours events in Baton Rouge that often lack proper security or oversight. Community leaders and activists are calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and more proactive policing to prevent gatherings from ending in violence.
“We have a crisis on our hands,” said East Baton Rouge Metro Councilwoman Chauna Banks. “Our young people are dying. We need accountability — from club owners, from law enforcement, and from each other.”
A vigil in Prenesha Wagner’s memory is being planned for later this week at a local park, where friends and family will gather to honor her life and call for peace in her name.
The investigation into the deadly shooting remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Baton Rouge Police Department or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-7867.
As the city grapples with yet another senseless act of violence, Prenesha’s loved ones hope her death will serve as a wake-up call and inspire efforts to make Baton Rouge a safer place for all.