Southern University Student Identified as Victim in Deadly Baton Rouge Labor Day Shooting

BATON ROUGE, La. — Police have identified the victim of a deadly Labor Day shooting in Baton Rouge as 19-year-old Roderick Forkner, a sophomore at Southern University. The shooting, which took place in the early hours of Monday morning, has left both the university and the wider community mourning the loss of a promising young life.

According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire shortly after 1:30 a.m. near a residential area not far from the Southern University campus. When they arrived, they found Forkner suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts by paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators have not released details about a possible suspect or motive, though police confirmed that the shooting remains under active investigation. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and interviewing witnesses in hopes of piecing together the events that led to Forkner’s death.

Southern University officials issued a statement expressing shock and sadness over the loss. “Roderick was a valued member of our Jaguar family,” the statement read. “His life was full of promise, and his passing is a devastating blow to our community. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.”

Forkner, who was pursuing his degree at Southern University, was described by classmates as ambitious, kind-hearted, and deeply motivated to succeed. Friends say he dreamed of using his education to make a difference for his family and community. “He had a big heart and an even bigger future,” said one friend. “It’s hard to believe he’s gone.”

The shooting has sparked renewed conversations in Baton Rouge about gun violence and its impact on young people. City leaders expressed frustration at yet another tragedy cutting short a life filled with potential. “We cannot continue to lose our young men and women to senseless violence,” one community advocate said. “Roderick’s death should be a wake-up call for us all.”

In response to the tragedy, Southern University announced that grief counselors will be available on campus throughout the week to support students, faculty, and staff. A candlelight vigil is also being planned to honor Forkner’s memory and provide a space for the community to come together in solidarity.

Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, emphasizing that even small details could help advance the investigation. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Baton Rouge Crime Stoppers.

As the investigation continues, family and friends of Roderick Forkner are left to mourn a life cut short far too soon. His name will now be remembered not only on Southern University’s campus but also in a community determined to seek justice and prevent similar tragedies in the future.