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LEESVILLE, La. (DailyKenn.com) — A 22-year-old man from nearby DeRidder was fatally shot at a residence here last week, prompting the arrest of a local woman on a second-degree murder charge, authorities said.
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Micah Reed Schmidt died Aug. 23 after deputies responding to a welfare check around 5 p.m. at a home in the Cedarbrook Circle neighborhood forced their way inside, where they found his body and an unresponsive woman on the floor, the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office reported. The woman, identified as 31-year-old Destini Leon, was hospitalized for treatment of an undisclosed injury before being booked into the Vernon Parish Jail on Aug. 25.
Investigators determined that Leon had shot Schmidt, who was visiting the home, during an altercation. Leon later admitted to the shooting, according to sheriff's officials. She was being held without bond as of Monday, and the case remains under investigation.
Schmidt, born June 11, 2003, was remembered by family as a mischievous and fun-loving young man whose school years were marked by humorous escapades with friends and teachers. He leaves behind a companion, Shunti, and their children; three brothers and their families in DeRidder; a sister in Idaho; and numerous extended relatives. He was preceded in death by a younger brother, Joshua Wade; his grandfather, Tracey; his aunt, Shannon; and an infant nephew, Timothy.
A visitation for Schmidt was held Thursday evening at Highland Mennonite Church in DeRidder, followed by a funeral service Friday morning. Burial arrangements were pending.
The incident has been recorded as a gun violence fatality, drawing attention to ongoing concerns about firearm-related deaths in rural Louisiana communities.
Leesville woman arrested on second-degree murder charge in fatal shooting - https://vernonparishjournal.com/2025/08/27/leesville-woman-arrested-on-second-degree-murder-charge-in-fatal-shooting/
Micah Schmidt Obituary (2025) - https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/micah-schmidt-obituary?id=59294164
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