Police investigating homicide on Jefferson Avenue in Port Allen

Updated May 26, 2026 with additional details and scene description

PORT ALLEN — Port Allen Police are investigating a potential homicide in the 500 block of Oaks Avenue near Jefferson Avenue.

The victim has been identified as Tola O. Falana, 40.

According to a media release from the department, uniform patrol officers were dispatched to the area around 6:00 a.m. Friday regarding a complaint of a deceased person. In an updated release Saturday, the department identified the victim and said detectives are still investigating and gathering information.

Port Allen Police Chief Donovan V. Mitchell told WBR Independent the incident appears to be a shooting death.

Multiple law enforcement and emergency vehicles responded to the scene, including units from the Port Allen Police Department, West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, and the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. The area was blocked off by caution tape as investigators worked the scene.

The scene sits at the end of a quiet residential street near Rivault Park, where the road dead-ends at a port entrance. A path from the street opens directly into the park. The area is surrounded by large oak trees, residential fences, and thick vegetation, making it largely hidden from the street. There are no visible security cameras in the immediate area.

According to details provided by the 18th Judicial District Attorney's office to Baton Rouge media, Falana was reportedly found masked with a gun at his feet. The Port Allen Police Department has not confirmed those details. An autopsy will be needed to determine the exact cause and manner of death.

DA comments to Baton Rouge media

18th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton provided details about the case to at least two Baton Rouge television stations. Both WAFB and WBRZ independently reported that Clayton told them Falana was found masked with a gun at his feet.

However, when WBR Independent contacted the District Attorney's office Tuesday, a staff member said no official statement had been released. The office said the details were the result of a verbal conversation between Clayton and a reporter, not a formal release, and that the office would not be releasing further information until it receives something official from the Port Allen Police Department.

The Port Allen Police Department has not confirmed those details.

Tips

The department is encouraging anyone with information to contact the Port Allen Police Department at (225) 343-5525 or submit tips, photos, or videos through the department's Community Share QR Code. All information received will be reviewed by detectives.

This is a developing story. WBR Independent will update as information becomes available.