3/29/2005: Another shock for Red Lake
Even as funerals and memorials for last week's dead are being held, the community of Red Lake, MN faced yet another shock today when tribal chairman Floyd Jourdain confirmed that his 16-year-old son had been arrested in connection with the killings. 
Jourdain said in a statement today that the matter was a confidential proceeding in juvenile court so he couldn't elaborate about the details. "Last week I spoke on behalf of the Red Lake Nation as its leader and a saddened member of this community. Today, I speak as a father. As many of you are aware, my son Louis has been charged in association with the shootings that occurred here last week. My heart is heavy as a result of the tragic events that unfolded here at our Nation. But it is with optimism that I state my son Louis' innocence. He is a good boy with a good heart who never harmed anyone in his entire life."
Red Lake High School principal Chris Dunshee concurred, saying he didn't think Louis Jourdain was in Jeff Weise's circle of friends. "He's one of those kids that I didn't have a lot of contact with, because he really wasn't a discipline problem. He was a pretty good student, to tell you the truth."
However, the Feds have allegedly found email correspondence between Jourdain and Weise and may file conspiracy charges against Louis Jourdain (possibly as an adult) and other yet-to-be-named teens. They also claim that their "profile" of Weise indicates he wouldn't have acted alone.. I tend to think the opposite based on Weise's situation and known interests, but of course, I am only one person many miles away, without access to all the details.
Floyd "Buck" Jourdain Jr. who, at 40, was the youngest person ever to be elected tribal chairman of Red Lake Nation, received praise for his handling of the tragic events last week, and is receiving support from tribal officials and many within the community. He has a record as being an advocate for youth, as well as being a family man. The caption with the above photo on his personal website reads "My pride and joy Louie who always shares his school achievements with me".
Meanwhile there is a bit of good news in that three of the injured students have been released from hospitals. But two remain hospitalized - one in serious and one in critical condition. The area's two elementary schools expect to re-open next week. The high school and middle school have not announced when they'll re-open, or if they even will before the next school year begins.
I don't know how much more a small, close-knit community can take. I'll continue to watch what happens in Minnesota, and I'll continue to feel bad for all those folks trying to somehow get on with their lives.
Red Lake Net News
Red Lake Donation Fund
March 25 update
March 23 reaction
March 22 shootings
