A 13-year-old Louisiana boy who died shielding his younger sister from gunfire is being honored as a hero, according to police and a national foundation. Sha’michal Russell was among three children shot last Monday on a basketball court at a Shreveport apartment complex. He later died from his injuries at the hospital, Shreveport Police reported.
Sha’michal's aunt, Jessica Haley, who serves as a chaplain for the Shreveport Police Department, confirmed her nephew’s selfless act. Haley stated the 13-year-old was trying to protect his 3-year-old sister when the shooting occurred. "He is a hero," Haley said, adding that Sha’michal was shielding his sister at the park to prevent her from being hit by bullets. Thanks to Sha’michal's actions, his younger sister was not among the children injured in the incident.
For his courage, Sha’michal Russell will posthumously receive the Youth Heroism Award from the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, also known as the Uvalde Foundation. This award recognizes young people nationwide who show exceptional courage, compassion, and a willingness to help others during crises. The foundation stated that Sha’michal will be the first teenager to receive the award posthumously. Daniel Chapin, founder and president of the foundation, shared that Sha’michal’s family described a boy who loved his little sister and sought to protect her. Chapin noted the tragic loss, expressing that Sha’michal should still be alive and growing up with his family. The foundation intends to acknowledge the courage his family recounted and ensure Sha’michal is remembered for his life and character.
Family members remember Sha’michal as a loving and playful boy. They recall he was quick to assist neighbors, loved sports, brought laughter to others, and deeply cared for his sister.
In connection with the fatal shooting, Shreveport Police have arrested two cousins, Javion Abbott and Alonzo Abbott, both 19 years old. Javion Abbott faces charges of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder. Alonzo Abbott is charged with one count of principal to second-degree murder and two counts of principal to attempted second-degree murder. The shooting involved a perpetrator who fired multiple rounds from a distance, according to Shreveport Police.
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation has launched an emergency fundraiser to help Sha’michal’s family with funeral and memorial costs. Any additional funds raised may provide emergency support to the two surviving victims, aged 2 and 17, and their families. Chapin emphasized the foundation’s commitment to ensuring the money reaches the families directly. He explained that the foundation plans to verify who they need to work with and determine the appropriate method for fund delivery to ensure assistance goes where it is needed most.
The Shreveport Police Department continues its investigation into the shooting, and authorities have indicated that additional arrests are possible as the case progresses.