Authorities in Louisiana are investigating the tragic deaths of a young couple whose bodies were discovered fatally shot along a highway in Acadia Parish over the weekend. The victims, 17-year-old Dashayla Ardoin of Mamou and 21-year-old Glenkeithan Robertson of Opelousas were found together on Saturday, October 12, in what is believed to be a murder-suicide.
The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed the case in a statement, saying, “From the investigation, this case is believed to be a murder/suicide.” Sheriff KP Gibson that Robertson is believed to be the shooter, though no further details about a possible motive have been released.
The young couple was traveling on a highway towards Mamou when their bodies were found around 7 p.m. on Saturday evening. At the time of the incident, Mamou High School, where Ardoin was a student, was hosting its homecoming celebration, according to the school’s Facebook page. Sheriff Gibson suggested that the couple might have been headed to the homecoming event before the tragedy occurred.
In the wake of the heartbreaking news, Mamou High School shared a heartfelt tribute to Dashayla Ardoin on social media, mourning the loss of one of their own. “Dashayla will always be remembered for her courage and bravery, her kind heart, and her beautiful smile,” the tribute read. “She was so very loved and will be dearly missed.”
The community is devastated by the loss of Ardoin, who was known for her kindness and infectious smile. Friends and family expressed their grief on social media, sharing memories of the vibrant young woman who was taken too soon.
Glenkeithan Robertson, the other victim in the tragic incident, was a local DJ, according to his Facebook page. He and Ardoin had been in a relationship, and just two months before their deaths, Robertson posted a photo of the couple on Instagram with the caption, “Me & You Against The World.”
The relationship between Ardoin and Robertson appeared to be a close one, but authorities are still working to piece together what led to the fatal outcome. While there is no confirmed motive, the sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The loss of two young lives has shaken the tight-knit communities of Mamou and Opelousas, as loved ones and locals struggle to make sense of the tragedy. Ardoin’s friends and classmates at Mamou High School are particularly affected, as the promising young student was just days away from a milestone event in her high school experience.
As the investigation continues, both families are left grappling with the profound grief of losing Dashayla and Glenkeithan. The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the case to come forward to assist in the ongoing inquiry.
For now, the memory of Dashayla Ardoin will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and school community, who remember her as a bright, loving young woman with a future full of promise. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
