‘She was a light’: Teen killed in shooting at south Lake Charles house party

Jun 04, 2025

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - A teenage girl was killed when dozens of shots were fired at a Lake Charles house party early Tuesday morning.

The shooting in the University neighborhood is under investigation as a homicide, police said.

“We got a call right around midnight at 525 Central Parkway that someone had been shot. Upon arrival we did find that indeed a young lady had been shot,” Lake Charles Police Chief Shawn Caldwell said.

Lake Charles College Prep identified one of its students, McKenzie Rideau, 16, as the victim.

McKenzie was a volleyball player and flag line member with a “radiant smile and kind heart,” LCCP Principal Dr. Freddie Harrison said in a statement.

“McKenzie was more than just a student, she was a light,” Harrison wrote.

More than 40 shots rang out just after midnight at a house on the corner of Central Parkway and Dolby Street. Neighbors told us the house is a short-term rental that they believed was being used to host a high school graduation party in a neighborhood that is generally quiet and safe.

Details about the shooting from Lake Charles police remain extremely limited, but they did confirm that McKenzie was the victim. They said dozens of people between 16 and 22 were at the home, which had been rented for the gathering.

Police said investigators continue to interview witnesses. At last word, no arrests have been made.

“I can tell you the detectives with the Lake Charles Police Department are working on identifying people who were there, identifying suspects, and they’re working very hard. We have some people of interest, an actual suspect, I don’t want to say suspect yet, but we have identified some people, and we still have a lot of work left to do,” Caldwell said.

LCPD asks anyone with information about the shooting to call them at 337-491-1311, or submit an anonymous tip HERE.

The family of Rideau has set up a GoFundMe.

Harrison’s full statement about McKenzie’s passing can be found below.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of one of our own, McKenzie Rideau, a beloved student whose presence touched every corner of our campus.

“McKenzie was more than just a student, she was a light. As a proud member of the volleyball team and our vibrant flag line, McKenzie brought energy, determination, and joy to every practice, every performance, and every moment in between. Her radiant smile and kind heart made it easy for others to feel seen, welcomed, and accepted. She had a rare gift for making people feel like they belonged, always encouraging, always uplifting, always trying to help everyone fit in.

“Her spirit of compassion, leadership, and friendship will be deeply missed but never forgotten. McKenzie’s impact on our school community is immeasurable, and her memory will forever remain in the heart of LCCP.

“We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the parents and family. Please know that you are surrounded by love and support from the entire LCCP family during this time of unimaginable loss.

“As we grieve together, we ask everyone to continue lifting McKenzie’s family, friends, and teammates in your thoughts and prayers. Let us honor her memory by continuing to lead with kindness, love, and unity just as she did every day.

With love and remembrance,

Dr. Freddie L. Harrison, III

Principal”

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