Annette January and Lashuntae Benton, two 19-year-old students, were killed outside of a student housing apartment complex in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They both attended Southern University and A&M College.

The two women were outside of The Cottages Apartments, a housing complex specifically for college students in the area. According to students, The Cottages frequently held large parties attended by students and other young people with no affiliation to any of the Louisiana colleges.

Around 2 a.m. Sunday morning, a large fight broke out in the parking lot involving nearly 15 to 20 people. The fight continued to escalate until 22-year-old Ernest Bernard Felton pulled out a gun and opened fire on an unidentified 24-year-old male.

During the gunfire, several bullets strayed and hit January and Benton. Although it is unknown who died first, it was reported that one of the girls died immediately on the scene and the other died after being rushed to the hospital.  

The unnamed 24-year-old man also sustained injuries to his torso and leg.

Felton played football for Southern University when he attended the school. According to witnesses, Felton was involved in a prior altercation with the 24-year-old victim.

Both January and Benton will be dearly missed by their friends and family. January was a freshman on the track and field team and was majoring in business management. Benton was a sophomore studying sports medicine.

(Photos from left: Anette January via Facebook, Lashuntae Benton via Facebook)