KENTWOOD, LA — On the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, a tragic and senseless act of gun violence rocked the quiet, tight-knit community of Kentwood, Louisiana. The victim, 34-year-old Creg Solomon, a well-loved resident of the area, was shot and killed in the 700 block of Ida Temple Street, a neighborhood typically known for its peaceful environment. The tragic incident, which unfolded around 10:30 a.m., has left family members, friends, and the entire Kentwood community devastated. Solomon’s death has sparked urgent calls for justice and a deeper conversation about youth violence and gun access in the area.
According to the Kentwood Police Department, officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the vicinity of Ida Temple Street. Upon arriving at the scene, they found Creg Solomon unresponsive in a vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders attempted to revive him, but despite their best efforts, Solomon was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into the shooting immediately began, with authorities working around the clock to piece together the events leading up to Solomon’s untimely death.
Creg Solomon was a man known for his warm spirit and his deep commitment to his family. Born and raised in Kentwood, Solomon had strong ties to the community. He was a hardworking individual who had spent many years working in construction and landscaping, skills he honed to support his two young daughters. According to family members and friends, Creg was a peaceful and quiet person who avoided trouble and focused on his loved ones. His cousin, Jasmine Carter, spoke emotionally about the loss: “He wasn’t just my cousin. He was like a brother to me. He always made time for others, whether it was helping an elderly neighbor fix a fence or giving rides to friends who didn’t have transportation. He had a big heart.”
Solomon’s love for his family was evident in everything he did, and his presence in the Kentwood community was a source of comfort for many. He was often seen visiting family and friends in the area, making the site of his death all the more heartbreaking for those who knew him. He had a reputation for being a steady and reliable presence in the lives of those who loved him. His loss has left a gaping hole in the lives of his two daughters, his mother, and the many people who considered him a close friend.
As the investigation began, authorities worked quickly to gather evidence and identify any leads that could explain what led to Solomon’s tragic death. The Kentwood Police Department Homicide Division, along with other local agencies, is actively pursuing the case. Police Chief Darnell Williams issued a statement, assuring the public that the case was being treated with the utmost urgency and thoroughness: “Our detectives are working around the clock to piece together what happened. We urge anyone with information—no matter how minor it may seem—to come forward. This family deserves answers.”
At this time, no arrests have been made, and police have not released any specific information about the identity of the shooter. Authorities are actively conducting interviews with witnesses, canvassing the neighborhood for surveillance footage, and analyzing physical evidence from the scene. While it is still too early to determine the exact motive behind the shooting, investigators are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for justice.
As news of Solomon’s death spread, the Kentwood community was left in shock. Many residents gathered near the scene to mourn, share their grief, and honor Solomon’s memory. A makeshift memorial quickly began to take shape—candles, handwritten notes, and photographs of Solomon were placed along the street in tribute to his life. Tamara Ellis, a lifelong Kentwood resident, shared her heartfelt thoughts on the tragedy: “This isn’t just another name in a headline. This was someone’s father, someone’s brother, someone’s best friend. We can’t let his death go unnoticed or unsolved. We have to speak up and support one another.”
Solomon’s death has also sparked discussions about the issue of youth violence and gun access in Kentwood and across Louisiana. Local leaders, schools, and faith-based organizations have emphasized the need for stronger efforts to prevent youth violence, including mentorship programs and initiatives to keep firearms out of the hands of minors. The tragedy has led many in the community to question how such an event could happen in a town that is typically considered safe and tight-knit.
In the wake of the shooting, community leaders are also calling for greater investment in mental health resources to help address the underlying issues that often contribute to youth violence. This call for action comes at a time when many communities across the country are struggling with similar issues—youth violence, substance abuse, and inadequate access to mental health services. Kentwood’s residents are hoping that the aftermath of this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for change and healing, not just for their community, but for other communities facing similar struggles.
As the investigation continues, Solomon’s family is preparing funeral arrangements and struggling to come to terms with their loss. Kendra Solomon, Creg’s cousin and family spokesperson, delivered an emotional plea for justice during a candlelight vigil held Wednesday evening: “We just want justice for Creg. We want whoever did this to be held accountable. Please, if you know something—say something. Do it for his daughters. Do it for his mother. Do it for our family.”
Despite the immense pain of their loss, the Solomon family has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support from the Kentwood community. Residents have stepped forward to help cover funeral expenses, and local churches and organizations are offering emotional support to the family during this difficult time. A community vigil was planned for Friday evening at the Greater New Hope Baptist Church, where residents could come together to honor Solomon’s memory, share their concerns, and discuss ways to make Kentwood a safer place for everyone.
The incident also highlights the need for a broader conversation about violence prevention and gun control. Many in the community are asking tough questions about how to ensure that such violence does not occur again. In response, local law enforcement agencies have promised increased patrols in the Ida Temple Street area and surrounding neighborhoods in the coming weeks. There are also discussions about the need for more proactive measures, such as youth outreach programs, gun buybacks, and better access to mental health resources.
As the investigation continues, the hope is that answers will emerge and that those responsible for the death of Creg Solomon will be brought to justice. For the residents of Kentwood, this tragedy is a reminder that no community is immune to violence, and that it is up to everyone to work together to create safer, more compassionate neighborhoods. The memory of Creg Solomon will live on in the hearts of his family and the community he loved.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to contact the Kentwood Police Department at (985) 229-6305 or submit tips anonymously through local crime stoppers. The investigation remains ongoing, and all leads will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
As the investigation continues and the community mourns, one thing remains clear: the impact of Creg Solomon’s death will resonate far beyond Kentwood, and it will serve as a call to action for communities everywhere to address the root causes of violence and protect the lives of future generations.
