LAPLACE — When 29-year-old Cameron Mack and his daughter, 4-year-old Cali, were viciously gunned down, according to police, without warning and from behind, their deaths represented St. John the Baptist Parish’s fifth and sixth homicide victims of 2018.

That was May 29.

One week later, a Reserve bargain retail employee leaving the business following the night shift was attacked and eventually shot multiple times. Thankfully, she escaped with her life. Too many others have not been so lucky.

“Hopefully, this is not an indication of the summer, but we’re going to continue to be very proactive, very visible,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said. “Hopefully, things calm down. We’re going to do all we can on the Sheriff’s Office side of things.”

The six homicides reported in St. John as of Friday already represent an increase over the four the parish suffered in 2017. There were seven, six and eight in 2016, 2015 and 2014 respectively.

The last time parish violence spiked St. John homicide numbers to double digits was 2013, when 14 killings were reported.

Tregre maintains his strong belief is the majority of local crime is committed by a very small percentage, often presenting the model that a minuscule portion of the populace commits 90 percent of the crime.

Law enforcement is banking on community response as a needed factor in removing the greater aspects of the criminal element off local streets. Tregre points to June 1’s prayer vigil in response to the Macks’ killings as a potential turning point in police and community relationships.

“That prayer vigil was very powerful, and it reached a lot of citizens who just want justice,” Tregre said. “Our support to catch this guy is swelling. People want him caught. We want to get him, and with that kind of support, I think we are going to be successful.”

What began May 30 as a $5,000 Crimestoppers reward available for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the suspect or suspects responsible for the shooting deaths of Cameron and Cali grew to $15,000 by Tuesday and $20,000 by Thursday.

Tregre said numerous local business entities led by leaders who wish to remain anonymous are putting up the extra money to motivate greater communication between tipster and police.

“With citizens helping us, with crime cameras, with training, we’re making progress but we still need that partnership,” Tregre said. “I still need people to call us when they see something suspicious, when they hear something they think is going on or witness any type drug activity. Please give us a call and let’s try to stop things before it gets out of hand.

“I’m going to continue delivering that same message throughout the summer.”

Anyone with information regarding these homicides is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Tips can also be submitted at stjohnsheriff.org/submitatip.php.