In Loving Memory of Sherita Layton: A Life Lost Too Soon in Shreveport Tragedy
SHREVEPORT, La. – July 29, 2025 — A wave of sorrow has swept across the Shreveport community following the tragic death of Sherita Layton, a 38-year-old woman who was senselessly shot and killed in the early hours of Tuesday morning on Pete Harris Drive, just west of downtown. Her identity was confirmed by the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office as the community mourns another life stolen by violence.
According to investigators, Sherita Layton was in the 400 block of Pete Harris Drive when unknown suspects opened fire. Despite rapid emergency response, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arriving at Ochsner LSU Health, where she was pronounced deceased at 1:07 a.m. An autopsy has been ordered, and detectives with the Shreveport Police Department continue to actively investigate this case in hopes of identifying the perpetrators and securing justice.
Sherita Layton was a resident of the 1800 block of Saint John Street, and those who knew her remember a woman full of life, kindness, and strength. Friends and family describe her as someone who radiated warmth, who carried herself with grace, and who remained dedicated to her loved ones despite life’s many challenges. Her sudden and violent passing has left a deep void in the hearts of all who cherished her.
A mother, a daughter, a friend, and a neighbor, Sherita was more than just a name in a tragic headline — she was a light in her community. Her laugh could lift a room, her compassion was genuine, and she always looked out for others. Whether checking on an elderly neighbor, helping friends through tough times, or making time for family, Sherita’s legacy is one of care, loyalty, and love.
Her death marks the 23rd confirmed homicide within Shreveport city limits in 2025, a deeply alarming figure that underscores the growing concerns surrounding public safety in the city. Including additional homicides in Caddo Parish, the total number of lives lost to violence in the region this year now stands at 28 — a devastating statistic that continues to grow.
As Shreveport residents struggle to make sense of this latest tragedy, many are calling for community action, increased resources for crime prevention, and better support systems for at-risk neighborhoods. But amid the growing dialogue around violence and systemic issues, the human cost is all too real — and it is embodied in the loss of Sherita Layton.
The Shreveport Police Department urges anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and authorities emphasize that any detail, no matter how small, could be critical to solving this case and bringing closure to Sherita’s grieving loved ones.
In the days ahead, Sherita’s family will begin the painful process of arranging funeral services and saying goodbye to a woman taken too soon. Vigils are being discussed by local community members as a way to both honor her life and call attention to the urgent need to curb gun violence in Shreveport.
As we mourn the death of Sherita Layton, let us also remember her life — one marked by perseverance, devotion, and kindness. May her memory be a blessing, and may justice be served swiftly and fully.
