UPDATE 2:
As of this morning, June 28, Homer Police Chief Van McDaniel has confirmed that Ja’Kerion Calome was fatally shot and the incident is still under investigation.
According to McDaniel, all deaths are investigated as a homicide until evidence proves otherwise.
Since the HPD Chief is a distant relative of the Calome family, he has recused himself from further participation in the investigation. The State Police will be taking over the investigation from this point with the continued assistance of the HPD and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.
UPDATE:
After the passing of Homer High School senior, Ja’Kerion Calome, on Friday morning, June 24, family members are speaking out.
In a Facebook post with almost 600 shares, Calome’s cousin Semaje Taylor asked for assistance in sharing the family’s story in hopes that justice is served.
According to Homer Police Chief Van McDaniel, it was not clear whether the fatal gunshot wound to Calome’s head was the result of suicide or homicide. His body was sent to Little Rock, Ark. for an autopsy.
In Taylor’s post she shared details that Calome was staying the night with a group of friends at a house to attend football practice when he was shot.
She said, “Instead of seeking medical attention, they called family members who then came over and put Ja’Kerion (picked up his body) inside the car themselves and drove him to Homer Hospital where he was then lifeflighted to LSU. Ja’Kerion went close to an hour or longer without medical attention before he was actually brought to the hospital, we do not have information on why a call was never made until later on and not immediately when it happened. We are still seeking answers at this time.”
Calome’s death is still under investigation.
Calome was a member of the school’s first state football championship since 1939, two seasons ago. In 2022, he was a member of the team that finished as a runner-up in the Division IV title game.
Funeral arrangements are still in the planning stages, but is set to be held on Saturday, July 1, at Homer High School. More details on the times for visitation and service will be released in the coming days. Family is asking for assistance in covering burial and funeral expenses. Donations can be made through GoFundMe.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Homer High School senior and standout football star Ja’Kerion Calome has passed away.
Calome was found in a home in the 200 block of West Third Street in Homer on Thursday night, June 23, with a gunshot wound to the head.
He was taken by private vehicle to Homer Hospital, but was later airlifted to Ochsner LSU Health hospital in Shreveport where he succumbed to his injuries early Friday morning.
According to Homer Police Chief Van McDaniel, Calome’s body has been sent to Little Rock, Arkansas for an autopsy to determine whether the gunshot wound was a result of suicide or homicide.
“We know he had a gunshot wound, but we don’t know at this time if it was a suicide or a homicide. Until then, this matter is still under investigation,” McDaniel said.
Calome was a member of the state championship Homer High School Pelicans football team.
Homer High School made a statement on their Facebook page Saturday morning, June 24.
“Our hearts are heavy after suffering the loss of one of our students, Ja’Kerion Calome. We recognize that losing a classmate, friend, and teammate is a hard situation for a young adult to process.”
The school is offering professional counseling services for students beginning Monday, June 26 at 8 a.m.
The school is currently conducting EOC re-testing, but will proceed with caution taking each individual student into consideration during this time. Rescheduling testing is an option for students that may need it.
A GoFundMe Page has been set up to assist with funeral and burial expenses.