Four Arrested After 8-Year-Old Davian Nicholas Killed in Baton Rouge Shooting

Four people were arrested within hours of a Sunday evening shooting that killed 8-year-old Davian Nicholas along the 5700 block of San Juan Drive in Baton Rouge. The child was struck during an exchange of gunfire among a group of arguing adults around 6:20 p.m. on March 8, transported to a hospital, and died from his injuries.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office booked Jeremiah Tanan Scott, 21, Jeremiah Walter, 25, and Everett Chambers, 21, on charges of first-degree murder. Hunter Calligan was arrested on a charge of principal to first-degree murder. All four arrests came less than 24 hours after the shooting.

Arrest documents describe an "ongoing 'beef'" between Calligan and Walter that set the confrontation in motion, with arguments between the two groups escalating throughout the day before gunfire erupted that evening. Deputies determined that Calligan and Scott were armed and standing outside a home when Chambers and Walter drove by and opened fire. Investigators believe Scott fired the shot that struck Davian.

East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux addressed the killing directly. "This is a heartbreaking and senseless tragedy," Gautreaux said in a statement. "A group of young men chose to settle an argument with gunfire in a neighborhood where families live and children should be safe. Because of that reckless and violent decision, an innocent 8-year-old child, Davian Nicholas, lost his life. Our hearts and prayers are with Davian's family as they face an unimaginable loss. No parent or family should ever have to endure the pain of losing a child in such a senseless act of violence."

District 5 East Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Darryl Hurst released a separate statement pledging his office's assistance to Davian's family with resources and support. Hurst also called on city-parish officials and law enforcement to develop a concrete plan for reducing crime in the region.

Neighbors along San Juan Drive described the violence as something they never expected to confront outside their own homes. The investigation remains ongoing, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office has not announced whether additional arrests are expected.