PORT ALLEN, LA — Grieving Mother Remembers 25-Year-Old Son Christopher Brooks, Killed While Babysitting Nieces and Nephews
PORT ALLEN, LA — The city of Port Allen is mourning the devastating loss of Christopher Brooks, a 25-year-old man who was fatally shot while caring for his young nieces and nephews at a home off Avenue A. For his mother, Lisa Verret, the grief is still raw and indescribable. In the days following the tragedy, she has spoken out with heartbreak and determination, hoping the community remembers her son not by the violence of his death, but by the compassion, love, and purpose that defined his life.
“It doesn’t feel real, it doesn’t feel real,” Verret said, choking back tears. “I can’t find the words to say rest in peace to my baby.”
A Life Cut Short, a Future Left Unfulfilled
Christopher Brooks had big dreams and was working hard to turn his life around and support his family. Just days before his death, he had enrolled in welding classes at Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) and was committed to finding work to provide for his loved ones.
“He told me, ‘Mom, I’m going to get two jobs. I’m going to help you.’ That’s who he was,” Verret recalled. “He even told my daughter, ‘Don’t tell your momma, but I’m going to buy y’all shoes and stuff for school.’ That’s the kind of man he was becoming.”
What makes the loss even more gut-wrenching is the reason Christopher stayed behind in Port Allen. He had planned to celebrate his girlfriend’s birthday weekend in Texas, but postponed his departure to babysit for his sister—a favor he gave willingly out of love.
“He put off going to Texas with his girlfriend just to watch his nieces and nephews,” Verret said. “He died taking care of them.”
Witnessing Tragedy
Among the children in the house when the shooting occurred was Christopher’s young nephew, William Williams, who is still grappling with the traumatic memory.
“When I had seen and heard it, I couldn’t believe it,” he said softly.
The details surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, but what is clear is that Christopher was not involved in any conflict. He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time—a victim of senseless violence that now leaves a mother without her son and a family torn apart.
A Family Man Remembered
Those closest to Christopher describe him as a gentle soul with a huge heart, who always went the extra mile for his loved ones. Whether it was offering to babysit, helping around the house, or sharing his dreams for a better future, he was known as someone who put others before himself.
He loved his family deeply and was especially proud of his role as an uncle. Lisa Verret remembers her son constantly playing with his nieces and nephews, bringing joy to their lives with his energy and laughter.
“He would do anything for those kids,” she said. “He was a family man to the core.”
A Mother’s Plea
Now, as she faces the unimaginable pain of burying her son, Verret is calling for justice—not just in the courts, but in the hearts of the community.
“He didn’t deserve to die like this. His life had meaning. He had plans. And he was trying. I want people to know who he really was.”
She hopes her son’s story will inspire others to value family, choose love over violence, and recognize the human toll that shootings inflict on communities.
Final Thoughts
Christopher Brooks was more than a victim of violence—he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a student, and a dreamer. At just 25, he had already impacted the lives of so many around him. As Port Allen mourns, his memory will live on through the love he gave, the kindness he showed, and the dreams he carried.
His family asks for continued prayers and support during this painful time as they prepare to say goodbye far too soon.
Rest in peace, Christopher. Your light lives on in the hearts of those who loved you.