Family of slain Jeanerette man reacts to arrest of second suspect
Hopes' family is glad to hear they are finally getting the justice they have been looking for.
IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- Thirteen months and three weeks. That's how long the family of 25-year-old Schronte Hopes waited for the arrest of the second man wanted in connection with his death.
On Tuesday, Jeanerette police announced the arrest of 19-year-old Jason Joe Jr., who was wanted on principal to first-degree murder in connection with the June 2023 slaying. Additional charges are pending as the investigation continues, police said.
Hopes' family is glad to hear they are finally getting the justice they have been looking for.
"I want to thank the Jeanerette, New Iberia, and Lafayette P.D. for doing what they did to catch the little boy," said Hopes' mother, Schrita Gordon.
Hopes was on his mother's front porch on June 16, 2023, when he was shot and killed.
Joe Jr.'s arrest is the second that has been made in the case. Jeremy Smith Jr., 18, was arrested not long after the shooting and was charged with first-degree murder.
Since the Hopes' death, his family has had to live with the fact their loved one is no longer there. His aunt still wonders what provoked the shooting that took her nephew's life.
"Ronte didn't deserve that. That shirt he got on his back; he would have taken that off then gave it to them. If they would have simply walked under here and talked," she said.
Hopes' family wants to spread the word that the life their children may be living can be different. They hope hearing about his story can make a difference.
The news of the arrest does bring peace to the family, but they know more is to come as the journey to justice continues.