3 dead, 1 critically hurt in La. home invasion

updated 11:54 a.m. ET April 11, 2009

TERRYTOWN, La. - Gunmen in dark clothes kicked down an apartment door in a troubled New Orleans-area neighborhood and opened fire, killing two children and a woman, authorities said.

A third child was in critical condition after the shooting around 4 a.m., and investigators were searching for suspects, said Jefferson Parish Sheriff's spokesman Col. John Fortunato.

The 19-year-old woman was shot in the back; a 23-month-old boy and a 6-year-old boy both were shot in the head, in bed.

An 11-year-old girl, also found in a bedroom, had been shot more than once and was in critical condition, Fortunato said. The victims' identities were not immediately released.

Investigators found marijuana and crack cocaine in the apartment, Fortunato said.

Fortunato said both suspects used handguns and one wore a red bandana, a black baseball cap and black hooded sweatshirt.

The shooting was in the Trianon Square neighborhood of Terrytown, a community about 10 miles southeast of New Orleans. The neighborhood is among the more crime-ridden in the parish, Fortunato said.

More from msnbc.com   Silver Lining: Tales of struggle and hope Is Obama’s star dimming as U.S. standing drops? First Read: Guest list for White House dinner Opinion: Coherent after coma? Not so sure Analyst: India needs reassurance it's a priority She lost it all, but found a purpose On Twitter: Breaking news updates | Weird and wild

MORE FROM CRIME & COURTS

Crime & courts Section Front

Ohio executioners sought doctor’s aid  Census worker killed himself, police say ‘Junior’ Gotti jury signals deadlock — again   Alaska diocese OKs $10 million abuse payout Police release sketch of L.A. serial killer Report: ‘Cathouse’ star stabbed, slashed, shot Clinton campaign hostage taker re-arrested Club owners get prison in 2003 stampede Crime & courts Section Front   Add Crime & courts headlines to your news reader: