According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, one person was killed following a home invasion at a Hammond residence on January 8, 2023.
A report of shots fired at a residence on Klein Road shortly after 5:00 AM on Sunday prompted deputies to respond. Investigation revealed that the suspect, later identified as 51-year-old Robert Rheams of Hammond, forced entry into the home of the victim and her two young children with a shovel and a lug wrench.
During the incident, Rheams and the homeowner got into a physical altercation, which ended with the homeowner shooting Rheams. The Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office later pronounced Rheams dead on the scene.
Rheams was on parole after serving approximately 20 years in prison for armed robbery at the time of the incident. Additionally, detectives have been able to tie Rheams to a carjacking that took place hours before the home invasion. However, no arrests have been made at this time.
A final review of the case will be conducted by the District Attorney’s Office once the investigation is complete.
According to Chief Jimmy Travis, the homeowner appears to be exercising second amendment rights to protect herself and her children from violent home invasions.