Mayci Breaux’s family speaks on reopening of theater

It’s been four months since the Grand Theatre in Lafayette first closed after a shooting that left three dead and several wounded.

It’s also been four months since the death of 21-year-old Mayci Breaux

“Like they said it’s like waves, it hits you, in moments, hard. It’s still hard. Because it doesn’t seem real,” Mayci’s mother, Dondie Breaux told KLFY’s Brheanna Berry.

After months of unanswered questions, the Grand Theatre’s doors will reopen Nov. 19.

“That was her happy place. So how could it not reopen? You know it’s not the theater that harmed my girl, it was someone who was sick,” Dondie said.

Mayci Breaux was one of two women killed in the Grand Theatre on June 23rd.

Over the past several weeks, construction crews have been the only people near the theater.

New carpets and fresh paint for a fresh start.

“I don’t like driving there and seeing the barricades, it’s like a reminder.”

Dondie Breaux said as difficult as it may be, she wants people to walk into the theater and not think of all the tragedy, “Don’t let the fear keep you from doing what you want to do. That’s the worst way to live.”

She explains her family is still grieving from the loss of Mayci.

But through the love and prayers of the community, they are making it.

“I’ve always been scared that they would forget my daughter but so many people have done so much to where she will never be forgotten and that truly means a lot to me,” Dondie Breaux told KLFY.

She says it’s time for the community to move forward. If people don’t go to the theatre, it’s like letting him (the shooter, John Russel Houser) win.

“Get past this. Remember it, but get past it,” Dondie Breaux said.