Colby Scheffler, 22-Year-Old U.S. Army Veteran, Tragically Killed in New Orleans Shooting; Two Arrested: Julian Vicknair and Harry Darby Charged in Connection with Murder
NEW ORLEANS, LA – April 8, 2025 – In the early hours of Sunday, April 6, 2025, a senseless and tragic act of violence in New Orleans claimed the life of U.S. Army veteran Colby Scheffler, who was just 22 years old. Scheffler, a native of Chalmette, Louisiana, and a proud graduate of Chalmette High School, was tragically shot and killed while traveling in a vehicle with two other individuals in the 7700 block of Willow Street. Authorities have now arrested two suspects in connection with the fatal shooting—18-year-old Julian Vicknair, of Kenilworth, and 19-year-old Harry Darby, of Chalmette.
The two suspects, Vicknair and Darby, were apprehended after a comprehensive investigation launched by the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) and New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). As of the latest developments, both men have been charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder. They were arrested on Monday, April 7, 2025, in Violet, Louisiana, in a residence located on Riverbend Drive. The arrests followed intense coordination between local law enforcement, with detectives from SBSO’s Criminal Investigations Bureau, agents from the Special Investigations Division, and NOPD’s Homicide Unit.
While authorities have yet to disclose the motive behind this tragedy, the investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement continues to seek information from the public to assist in resolving the case.
Colby Scheffler’s Legacy: A Young Man With a Bright Future, Tragically Cut Short
Colby Scheffler, who would have turned 23 this year, was a U.S. Army veteran who had already begun to build a promising future for himself. A proud alumnus of Chalmette High School, Colby enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after graduation, motivated by a deep sense of duty and love for his country. His service, though brief, was marked by the same commitment to excellence and discipline that defined his young life.
Scheffler’s family, friends, and community are left in shock as they process the loss of a young man who had so much to offer. According to close friends, Colby was known for his kindness, his hardworking nature, and his infectious smile. He was always ready to lend a hand to those in need, and his compassionate spirit was one of the many qualities that endeared him to all who knew him.
On the evening of the shooting, Scheffler was traveling in a vehicle with two other individuals, neither of whom was identified as having been related to the crime. As the trio made their way through the 7700 block of Willow Street, gunfire erupted, and Scheffler was tragically struck. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The impact of Colby’s death has reverberated throughout Chalmette and beyond, as his friends and family grapple with the loss of someone they had expected to see achieve great things. He leaves behind a grieving family that is now calling for justice in his name.
The Arrests: Julian Vicknair and Harry Darby Taken into Custody
As law enforcement officials piece together the details of the tragic shooting, Julian Vicknair and Harry Darby have been formally charged in connection with the death of Colby Scheffler. Both men, young and still early in their lives, now face serious charges that will have lasting consequences.
Vicknair, 18, is from the 2800 block of Kenilworth Drive, Kenilworth, a community located within St. Bernard Parish. Darby, 19, hails from the 3000 block of Jean Lafitte Parkway in Chalmette. The suspects were arrested with the assistance of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office and transported from St. Bernard Parish Prison to the Orleans Justice Center for booking.
The arrests followed intelligence suggesting the suspects had been hiding in St. Bernard Parish. After securing arrest warrants, the SBSO, in cooperation with the NOPD, apprehended the two men at a residence in the 2400 block of Riverbend Drive in Violet. The operation was carried out smoothly and without incident, and both men were placed into custody on charges of second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.
The investigation is still in its early stages, and authorities have yet to confirm any specific motive for the shooting. However, law enforcement officials have made it clear that the case remains active and that they are committed to uncovering the full truth behind the fatal shooting.
A Grief-Stricken Community Seeks Answers
In the wake of the shooting, family, friends, and neighbors of Colby Scheffler have been left in a state of grief and disbelief. The neighborhood where the shooting occurred, as well as the communities of Chalmette and Kenilworth, have expressed shock at the senseless act of violence. Many have taken to social media to share tributes to Colby, honoring his memory and the life he was building before it was tragically cut short.
Local law enforcement has made it clear that they are working tirelessly to bring justice to Scheffler’s family, but they have also urged the community to come forward with any information that could help advance the investigation. The NOPD’s Homicide Unit, with support from the Violent Offenders Warrant Squad (VOWS) and the Violent Crime Abatement Investigation Team (VCAIT), is leading the investigation.
“We are doing everything we can to uncover the details of this tragic incident, and we encourage anyone who has information to come forward,” said Sheriff James Pohlmann of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office. “The loss of young lives, as seen in this case, has a profound effect on our entire community. We will not rest until we get justice for Colby Scheffler and his family.”
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office has issued the following tip lines for individuals to report any information they may have regarding the shooting: (504) 271-2501, the Criminal Investigations Bureau tip hotline at (504) 271-TIPS (8477), or Crimestoppers GNO at (504) 822-1111. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
The Aftermath: Ongoing Investigation and Calls for Justice
As authorities continue to investigate the details of Colby Scheffler’s tragic death, there are still many unanswered questions surrounding the incident. What was the motive behind the shooting? Was this a targeted attack, or was it a case of senseless violence? While investigators continue to probe these questions, the community remains in a state of shock and mourning.
The involvement of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office and the NOPD underscores the collaborative nature of the investigation, with multiple law enforcement agencies working together to ensure that justice is served. Given the severity of the charges, both Vicknair and Darby face significant legal consequences if convicted. Second-degree murder charges carry long prison sentences, and the attempted murder charge suggests that there may have been another victim targeted during the incident.
As the investigation unfolds, many are hopeful that additional evidence or witnesses will help clarify the events leading up to Colby Scheffler’s death. Law enforcement continues to appeal to the public for any potential leads, while also emphasizing that they are committed to ensuring the truth comes to light.
Colby’s family remains at the center of the community’s thoughts and prayers as they cope with the loss of their loved one. They have been vocal in their desire for justice, with family members expressing their frustration and heartbreak over the senseless violence that took their son, brother, and friend away.
For now, Colby Scheffler’s legacy lives on in the memories of those who loved him, and the hope remains that justice will be served in his name. In the meantime, the community remains vigilant, supporting law enforcement efforts to find the full truth behind the fatal shooting that left one young man dead, another injured, and a community forever changed.
Conclusion: A Call for Community Unity in the Wake of Tragedy
As the investigation into Colby Scheffler’s tragic death continues, it is clear that the incident has had a profound impact on the local community. Friends, family, and neighbors of Scheffler have all rallied together, seeking answers and demanding justice for a life that was taken far too soon. The involvement of law enforcement agencies such as the NOPD, St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, and others shows the collective efforts underway to find the truth.
For now, Colby’s story is one of heartbreak, but also a reminder of the importance of community, of standing together in times of loss. As the investigation progresses and the trial moves forward, the hope is that justice will be served, and Colby’s memory will remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
In the end, the case of Colby Scheffler is a reminder of the ongoing need to address violence in our communities, to support those who are affected by it, and to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated.
