DENHAM SPRINGS, La. — A week of agonizing prayer and bedside vigils has ended in heartbreak for a Livingston Parish family, as Jasmine Newhouse, the 18-year-old woman shot inside a Denham Springs apartment, has succumbed to her injuries.

The shooting, which occurred in the early morning hours of January 31, 2026, initially left Jasmine fighting for her life on life support. On Friday, February 6, 2026, her family confirmed the devastating news: Jasmine has passed away, transforming a domestic violence investigation into a homicide case.

Authorities have arrested her boyfriend, 35-year-old Dexter Boutte, who remains in custody. As the community reels from the loss of a young woman who was days away from graduation and dreaming of a career in cosmetology, her family is speaking out about the warning signs of domestic abuse that preceded the tragedy.

Breaking: A Fight for Life Ends

The incident that claimed Jasmine’s life took place on Magnolia Beach Road in Denham Springs. According to the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office (LPSO), deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting at an apartment complex around 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31.

The Scene: Upon arrival, first responders found Jasmine suffering from a catastrophic gunshot wound to the neck.

• The Injury: Family members later revealed the bullet had lodged in her right side, causing massive blood loss. Paramedics performed CPR for nearly 20 minutes to restore a heartbeat before rushing her to a local trauma center.

• The Suspect: Dexter Boutte, identified as Jasmine’s boyfriend of approximately five months, was present at the scene. He reportedly told investigators that the couple had been arguing and “wrestling over a gun” when the weapon discharged.

The Death: Jasmine remained on life support for nearly a week as doctors worked to assess her brain activity. Despite the hopes of her mother and grandmother, her condition did not improve. She was pronounced deceased around 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 6. In a final act of grace, Jasmine was an organ donor. Her family noted that even in death, she would continue to give life to others—a testament to her generous spirit.

The Suspect: Dexter Boutte

Dexter Boutte, 35, was arrested shortly after the shooting.

• Initial Charges: He was booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center on charges of Attempted Manslaughter and Domestic Abuse Battery with Serious Bodily Injury.

• Upgraded Charges: With Jasmine’s passing, legal experts and law enforcement officials anticipate these charges will be upgraded to Second-Degree Murder or Manslaughter, pending a review by the District Attorney’s office.

• Additional Discoveries: Reports indicate that Boutte may face additional charges related to weapons and drugs found inside the apartment during the investigation.

A Troubling History: The family has been vocal about the red flags in the relationship. Jasmine’s grandmother, Toni Griffith, stated that the relationship was volatile. “There have been numerous domestic violence calls made to the sheriff’s department,” Griffith said. “She would leave, she would go back.” The stark age difference—18 years old versus 35 years old—was also a major point of concern for Jasmine’s mother, Twanna Sibley, who felt the older man was manipulating her young daughter.

Obituary: Remembering Jasmine Newhouse

Jasmine Newhouse was more than a statistic in a police report; she was a vibrant young woman standing on the threshold of her adult life. Born in September 2007, Jasmine had just turned 18. She was navigating the transition from teenager to adult, filled with plans and ambitions that were tragically cut short.

A Graduate in Spirit: The week she died was supposed to be a week of celebration. Jasmine was scheduled to graduate from the Livingston Parish Adult Education program on Thursday, Feb. 5, just one day before she passed away.

• A Brother’s Tribute: In a heartbreaking turn of events, her brother walked across the stage in her place to accept her diploma, honoring the hard work she had put in to complete her education.

• Future Plans: Her mother shared that Jasmine had already mapped out her next steps. She planned to enroll in the Denham Springs Beauty College. She had a passion for style and beauty and wanted to turn that passion into a career.

A Loving Heart: Friends and family describe Jasmine as having a “bubbly, loving personality.” She was the kind of person who saw the best in everyone—a trait that her mother believes made her vulnerable. “She has such a good heart; she loves so genuinely that she didn’t see all the evil that I saw in this man,” Twanna Sibley said. Her faith was also a central part of her life. Family friend Tammy Freeman noted that Jasmine had been baptized a year ago and had recently shared her joy in witnessing her faith to others.

A Mother’s Agony

The loss has left Twanna Sibley facing every parent’s worst nightmare: burying a child. “She’s Gone”: “I don’t know what to do. My baby didn’t deserve this,” Sibley said, her voice heavy with grief. “I begged her to come home. I begged her to leave the situation, that we would figure it out.”

Financial Strain: Compounding the emotional devastation is the financial reality. Sibley, a mother of two other children, admitted she does not have the funds to give Jasmine the funeral she deserves. Jasmine had expressed a wish not to be cremated, and the family is now scrambling to honor that wish. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family with medical bills and funeral expenses.

The Cycle of Domestic Violence

Jasmine’s story highlights the lethal danger of domestic violence, particularly for young women involved with older partners. The “cycle of abuse”—where a victim leaves and returns multiple times—is a common and complex dynamic.

• Family Intervention: Jasmine’s family did everything they could. “We picked her up with her belongings more than once,” her grandmother recalled. “She was scared, and now we’re planning a funeral instead of her future.”

• A Voice for Others: Twanna Sibley is determined that Jasmine’s death will not be in vain. She wants her daughter’s story to serve as a warning and a lifeline for others. “I want to be her voice,” Sibley said. “I want to let people know that there’s a way out. Don’t let this be your way out.”

Community Reaction

The Denham Springs community has responded with shock and support. Neighbors at the Magnolia Beach Road apartment complex reported hearing the disturbance, a chilling reminder of how close violence can be. Advocacy groups like the Iris Domestic Violence Shelter have reached out to the public, reminding victims that help is available and that they do not have to navigate their escape alone.

Conclusion

Jasmine Newhouse had a diploma waiting for her. She had a beauty school application to fill out. She had a lifetime of birthdays, holidays, and memories to make. Instead, her life ended in a hospital room, the victim of a bullet and a toxic relationship. As Dexter Boutte faces justice in the courts, Jasmine’s family faces a lifetime of missing her.

We extend our deepest, most profound condolences to Twanna Sibley, Toni Griffith, and the entire Newhouse family.

Rest in Peace, Jasmine Newhouse. Forever 18. Forever Loved.

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Summary of Case:

• Victim: Jasmine Newhouse, 18.

• Suspect: Dexter Boutte, 35 (Boyfriend).

• Incident Date: January 31, 2026.

• Death Date: February 6, 2026.

• Location: Magnolia Beach Road, Denham Springs, LA.

• Charges: Attempted Manslaughter (Upgrade Pending).

• Context: History of domestic violence; Victim was an organ donor and recent graduate.

Resources:

• If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788.

• Local Louisiana resources include the Iris Domestic Violence Center (225-389-3001).

• Donations: Please look for the verified GoFundMe organized by Jasmine’s family to support funeral costs.