Los Angeles. National Guardsman killed in Plaquemine shooting Tuesday

PLAQUEMINE, La. (WAFB) – The man killed Tuesday in Plaquemine was a member of the Louisiana National Guard. His mother says he was also a loving brother who cared deeply about his family and community.

“All my children are everything to me. But he really was everything to me,” said Meghan Gailes. Her son, Jahiem Gailes, was shot dead Tuesday evening in front of their family home on Bourgoyne Street.

She remembers speaking to Gailes just five minutes before the shots rang out and being present in the final moments of her son's life.

“I ran towards him. I told Jahiem not to leave me,” Meghan Gailes said. “I knew I lost him to the ground. I put my hands in his hands and put our fingers together. He went limp .

She says her family is still in shock because Gailes was the second eldest of seven children. She remembers him helping to guide her siblings and taking on the role of protector of the family.

She says her need to care for others has extended through her service to the community as a ranger.

PV1 Gailes enlisted in the Louisiana National Guard in May 2019. He served with the 239th Military Police Company, 61st Troop Command based in Carville, Louisiana.

He worked as a tactical power generation specialist and supervised power generation equipment, internal combustion engines and other equipment, a spokesperson said.

Before his death, he received several awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Military Service Ribbon and the Armed Forces Service Medal.

“I miss his generous heart. His love. He was just a helpful person,” said Meghan Giles, recalling his accomplishments as a guard.

The weight of the loss still weighs on her.

“I will never receive phone calls from my baby again,” she said through tears.

Plaquemine Police Chief Stephen Engolio identified Rashad Seales as a suspect in the case.

RELATED: Suspect in fatal Plaquemine shooting arrested in Texas

Engoilo said the initial investigation suggests Seales went to the family home armed with a gun and began shooting.

Police later arrested Seales in Texas. He will be brought back to Plaquemine to face a second-degree murder charge.

Meghan Giles says there was some sort of contentious relationship between the family and Seales that she believes was caused by jealousy.

She now hopes that justice will be served after the situation escalated into violence.

She explained that Seales or anyone else who might be responsible for her son's death should “never see the light of day.”

“I miss my baby’s smile. I miss the fact that he loved his family and felt the need to protect us,” she said. “I know he was in pain.”

Click here to report a typo.

Copyright 2024 WAFB. All rights reserved.