13-Year-Old Louisiana Boy Killed While Shielding His Little Sister From Gunfire

SHREVEPORT, La. — A 13-year-old Louisiana boy is being remembered as a hero after his family says he used his body to shield his 3-year-old sister from gunfire during a shooting at a Shreveport apartment complex.

Sha’michal Russell was among three children struck by gunfire near a basketball court at the Olde Salem Village Apartments on Buncombe Road.

According to Shreveport Police, someone fired multiple rounds from a distance toward the area where the children were gathered.

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Sha’michal’s aunt, Jessica Haley, who serves as a chaplain for the Shreveport Police Department, said the 13-year-old moved to protect his little sister when the shooting began.

His 3-year-old sister was not struck.

Sha’michal suffered life-threatening injuries and later died at the hospital. Two other young victims, ages 2 and 17, were also injured in the shooting.

His family remembers him as a playful and caring child who loved sports, helped his neighbors and shared a particularly close bond with his younger sister.

His final act of protecting her is now being recognized nationally.

The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, also known as the Uvalde Foundation, announced that Sha’michal will posthumously receive its Youth Heroism Award, which recognizes young people who demonstrate exceptional courage and compassion.

He will be the first teenager to receive the award posthumously.

Two 19-year-old cousins have since been arrested in connection with the shooting.

Javion Abbott faces a charge of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder.

Alonzo Abbott faces one count of principal to second-degree murder and two counts of principal to attempted second-degree murder.

Police say the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are possible.

Sha’michal was only 13 years old.

But in the seconds when his little sister needed him most, his family says he made a decision that saved her life.