Joel of the Villa Platte area was involved in an accidental shooting on Saturday while playing basketball on Quail Loop Street.
As per the reports, Joel was born in 2015 in Ville Platte to his parents, whose identity has not been revealed.
Joel stayed away from social media handles, so little is known about his personal life.
Ville Plate Resident Joel’s Sister Pleads For Prayers After Accidental Shooting
The Louisiana community has come together and is praying for a 10-year-old boy, Joel from Ville Plate Area, who was critically injured in an accidental shooting.
As per the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
Officials said Joel and another 10-year-old boy were playing basketball when one of them discovered a loaded firearm inside the shooter’s father’s truck and was unaware the weapon was loaded.
As per the authorities, the child then shot the other.
The weapon, which authorities said was supposed to be secured, discharged, striking Joel. He was rushed quickly to a local hospital.
Officers said the investigation is still ongoing and more information will be available soon.
Some social media users raised their concerns that the owner of the weapon should get a prison sentence. Rita Fontenot of Bayou Chicot, Louisiana, wrote,
Owner of gun left where children could get to it need to held liable with a stiff prison sentence, no probation
Rita Fontenot
Kelsey Ranee Comeaux, a graduate of Ovey Comeaux High School, wrote,
If you can’t lock up your guns or put them in a safe place where kids dont touch them, then you dont need to have a gun!! Simple as can be!! Its so sad. That’s 2 kids in 2 nights that this happened too. my prayers are with the family’s ♡ just do better please!!
Kelsey Ranee Comeaux
Joel’s sister Chelsy Breaux shared an emotional post on her official Facebook and asked the community to pray for her brother’s speedy recovery. She wrote,
Y’all please keep my baby brother in y’all prayers, what drs may say be impossible I know God can make it possible, when I tell you this little boy is so great at sports and full of life and to think he may never be able to play again breaks my heart. Y’all please pray not just say y’all will pray but keep praying that God will make a way.
Chelsy Breaux
Friends and relatives took to the comment section and poured their prayers. Adrian Matherne wrote,
I have been praying for all of you and for God to preform miracles!
Adrian Matherne
Lisa Hunt Hollier commented,
I have been pleading to God for a miraculous recovery. Joel is a precious boy that my family loves dearly….. my son Jackson used to always introduce him or refer to him as “my best friend Joel.” Never just “Joel”. He’s a special kid
Lisa Hunt Hollier
Laura Guillory from Swords, Louisiana wrote,
Praying for your little brother from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet to be healed in the Mighty Name of Jesus Amen
Laura Guillory
Jayna Rangel wrote,
We are praying for your family and complete healing for Joel. God please cover him and heal him.
Jayna Rangel
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Joel’s sister Chelsy Breaux lives in Bourg, Louisiana, and was engaged to Briar Plaisance on December 21, 2024. They share one daughter whose identity has been kept private.
