Daniel Hernandez, 18, Killed in Shooting and Vehicle Crash Near McNeese Legacy Center; Keith Demetrius Syas, 19, Arrested and Charged with Second-Degree Murder
Lake Charles, LA – In a tragic sequence of events late Sunday night, 18-year-old Daniel Hernandez lost his life after being fatally shot and subsequently crashing his vehicle near the McNeese Legacy Center on McNeese Street. The shooting and crash occurred on March 9, 2025, at approximately 10:58 p.m. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, Hernandez was unable to survive his injuries. A suspect, 19-year-old Keith Demetrius Syas, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Hernandez. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.
On the evening of March 9, 2025, Lake Charles was rocked by an incident that would forever change the lives of those involved. The tragic death of 18-year-old Daniel Hernandez, a young man whose promising future was cruelly cut short, left the community grieving. As the investigation unfolds, the details of the shooting and crash remain of intense interest, as law enforcement seeks to piece together the events that led to the loss of Hernandez’s life.
A Sequence of Events Leading to the Tragedy
At 10:58 p.m., Lake Charles Police Department (LCPD) officers received a distress call about a shooting and vehicle crash near the McNeese Legacy Center. When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered a wrecked vehicle and its driver, Daniel Hernandez, who was found with gunshot wounds. Despite the best efforts of first responders to save him, Hernandez was later declared dead due to the severity of his injuries.
Lieutenant Jeffrey Keenum of the Lake Charles Police Department confirmed that law enforcement immediately began an investigation into the incident. The circumstances surrounding the shooting were initially unclear, as detectives began piecing together the timeline and uncovering evidence that would eventually point to the involvement of 19-year-old Keith Demetrius Syas.
It was determined that the shooting occurred before the crash, and Hernandez’s vehicle had lost control, ultimately resulting in a wreck near the McNeese Legacy Center. Hernandez’s life, filled with untapped potential, was violently and tragically taken from him, sparking grief and outrage among those who knew him.
Who Was Daniel Hernandez?
Daniel Hernandez was an 18-year-old with a bright future ahead of him. Described by those close to him as kind, compassionate, and driven, Hernandez was known to be an energetic young man with big dreams and aspirations. He had recently graduated from high school and was taking steps toward establishing himself as a young adult in Lake Charles. While details about his exact life plans remain sparse, his family, friends, and community have expressed profound sorrow over his loss. The news of his death has left many struggling to cope with the suddenness and brutality of the crime.
Friends and classmates who knew Hernandez have shared heartfelt memories of him. He was a dedicated student and athlete, and his positive attitude earned him the admiration of peers and mentors alike. Daniel’s passing is not just a loss to his family but to the wider community of Lake Charles, which will miss his youthful energy and promise.
The Arrest of Keith Demetrius Syas
In the aftermath of the fatal shooting, authorities quickly turned their focus to the man responsible for Daniel Hernandez’s death. Within hours of the incident, 19-year-old Keith Demetrius Syas was identified as a suspect and subsequently arrested. Syas, a resident of Lake Charles, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the shooting that led to Hernandez’s death.
According to police sources, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Investigators are still working to determine the events that led to the confrontation between Syas and Hernandez. While specific details about the altercation between the two have yet to be revealed, it is clear that tensions escalated into violence, culminating in Hernandez being shot before the crash occurred. The exact location of the shooting, as well as the circumstances surrounding it, are still under investigation.
Syas’s arrest marks a significant step in the investigation, but detectives are continuing their efforts to uncover the full details of the incident. Police are particularly interested in understanding whether the shooting was a targeted attack or the result of an unexpected altercation. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the events leading up to the shooting to come forward with any relevant information.
The Impact on the Community
The news of Daniel Hernandez’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through the Lake Charles community. As a young man who was just beginning his life, his loss is felt deeply by his family, friends, and everyone who knew him. The pain of losing someone so young and full of potential is a grief that will resonate in the community for a long time.
Local leaders and community members have expressed their outrage and sorrow at the senseless violence that claimed Hernandez’s life. In a statement released shortly after the incident, local authorities emphasized their commitment to finding justice for Hernandez and his family. “This tragedy is heartbreaking, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” said Lake Charles Police Chief, Caroline Broussard.
Many in Lake Charles have come together to support Hernandez’s family during this incredibly difficult time. Memorial services and vigils have been organized to honor his life and offer support to those who are mourning his loss. The community’s outpouring of love and support highlights the deep impact that Hernandez had on those around him, and how his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
The Investigation Continues
While the arrest of Keith Demetrius Syas is a significant development in the case, the investigation is far from over. Law enforcement agencies are continuing to gather evidence, conduct interviews, and piece together the sequence of events that led to the tragic shooting. As detectives work tirelessly to uncover the full details of what happened on the night of March 9, 2025, the public is encouraged to assist in the investigation.
The Lake Charles Police Department has asked anyone with information about the shooting or the events leading up to the vehicle crash to come forward. Sgt. Kevin Hoover, the lead investigator on the case, is urging witnesses to contact the department with any relevant details, no matter how small they may seem. “Any information could be crucial in helping us understand what happened and why,” Hoover said in a statement. “We encourage anyone with knowledge of the situation to come forward.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lake Charles Police Department at (337) 491-1311.
Charges Against Syas and the Legal Process Ahead
Keith Demetrius Syas’s arrest and subsequent charge of second-degree murder mark the beginning of what will likely be a lengthy legal process. Second-degree murder is a serious charge, carrying significant legal consequences if convicted. In Louisiana, second-degree murder is defined as the intentional killing of another person without premeditation, and those convicted of this crime can face up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
As the investigation continues, Syas will face arraignment, where he will have the opportunity to enter a plea. If the case proceeds to trial, the prosecution will need to prove that Syas acted with malice and intent in taking Hernandez’s life. The defense, on the other hand, will have the opportunity to present its own evidence and arguments in an effort to challenge the charges.
While the legal process moves forward, Hernandez’s family will continue to seek justice for their beloved son. They have expressed their desire for accountability and closure, hoping that the legal system will bring them the answers they need to understand why their son was taken from them so suddenly.
Conclusion: A Life Lost, A Community Changed
The death of 18-year-old Daniel Hernandez has left an indelible mark on the Lake Charles community. His tragic loss serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact that senseless violence can have on individuals, families, and entire communities. As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, the memory of Daniel Hernandez will remain alive in the hearts of those who knew him.
Keith Demetrius Syas’s arrest is an important step toward justice, but the journey is far from over. The community remains hopeful that the truth will come to light, and that justice will ultimately be served for Daniel Hernandez and his grieving family. Until then, Lake Charles will continue to mourn the loss of a young life taken too soon, while holding onto the hope that future generations will learn from this tragedy and work to build a safer, more peaceful community for all.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Lake Charles Police Department at (337) 491-1311.
Leave a Reply