Tavian Anthony Young Killed, Unnamed Woman Injured in Abbeville Good Friday Shooting; Community Grieves as Investigation Unfolds in Tragic South Guegnon Street Attack
Abbeville, Louisiana —
On the solemn evening of Good Friday, April 18, 2025, a tragic eruption of violence disrupted the peace of the quiet southern town of Abbeville, Louisiana. What began as an ordinary evening drive turned into a harrowing incident that took the life of 20-year-old Tavian Anthony Young, left an adult woman critically injured, and sparked widespread grief and concern across the community.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:00 p.m. along South Guegnon Street, a neighborhood typically known for its calm nights and tight-knit community. Tavian Young, a young father, brother, and son with deep roots in Abbeville, was behind the wheel of a dark-colored SUV when the vehicle came under sudden and violent attack.
Inside the SUV with Tavian were an adult woman — whose name has not yet been released publicly by law enforcement — and a three-year-old child. According to police reports and early witness accounts, as the vehicle traveled northbound along South Guegnon, it was assailed by a barrage of bullets. Law enforcement later confirmed that the weapon used was a high-powered .223-caliber firearm, capable of delivering devastating impact and used in many high-profile shootings due to its military-grade specifications.
One of the rounds struck Tavian in his side — a wound that proved fatal before emergency responders could render aid. The woman seated beside him suffered a grievous wound to the back of her head, though remarkably, she survived the initial attack and was transported to a local medical facility in critical condition. The child, heartbreakingly silent and stunned in the aftermath, was physically unharmed — a miracle amid a sea of tragedy.
A Desperate Escape and a Final Crash
In the immediate moments following the hail of gunfire, Tavian, though mortally wounded, tried to escape the danger. In a desperate, adrenaline-fueled attempt to flee the ambush, he managed to turn the SUV east onto Charity Street. However, due to the extent of his injuries and possibly a loss of control, the vehicle crashed into a utility pole in the parking lot of Landry’s Laundromat — a well-known local business and community fixture.
First responders, including officers from the Abbeville Police Department and emergency medical personnel, arrived swiftly on the scene after several 911 calls were made by residents who heard the rapid succession of gunfire and the ensuing crash. Tavian Anthony Young was found unresponsive and declared deceased at the scene. The woman was rushed to Abbeville General Hospital and later transferred to Lafayette General Medical Center for specialized care. The toddler was taken into protective custody, later reunited with family.
Who Was Tavian Anthony Young?
Tavian Anthony Young was known among friends and family as a kind-hearted young man with a promising future. A graduate of Abbeville High School, he was remembered as a quiet but determined presence. He had recently begun working full-time to support his family and was described by relatives as “a protector and provider,” especially to his younger siblings and his young child.
His mother, Laverne Young, spoke tearfully at a community vigil held two days after the shooting:
“Tavian was my baby. He was only 20, just starting to figure things out, just learning how to be a father and a man. He didn’t deserve this. No one does.”
Friends described him as a passionate basketball player who often organized pickup games at local parks. Others noted his deep faith and regular presence at church services, especially during the Easter season. That he died on Good Friday added an especially cruel irony to the tragedy.
A Community Reeling in Shock
Abbeville, a town of approximately 12,000 residents, located in Vermilion Parish in southern Louisiana, is not unfamiliar with challenges, but gun violence on this scale is uncommon. Community members reacted with grief, confusion, and growing concern about public safety.
Hundreds gathered in candlelight vigils in the days following the shooting, placing flowers, handwritten notes, and teddy bears at the crash site on Charity Street. Local churches rang their bells in honor of Tavian, and city officials issued a statement of condolences to the grieving family.
Mayor Roslyn White released a public address on April 20, stating:
“This act of violence has shaken our town to its core. We mourn the loss of Tavian Young and pray for the healing of the woman injured. The safety of our citizens is paramount, and we will use every resource to find those responsible.”
The Ongoing Investigation
As of this publication, the Abbeville Police Department, working alongside the Louisiana State Police and the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office, has launched a full investigation into the shooting. No suspects have been publicly named, and the motive remains unclear.
Detectives canvassed the neighborhood in the hours and days after the incident, interviewing potential witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby residences and businesses. Landry’s Laundromat, as well as other buildings along South Guegnon and Charity Street, were reported to have security cameras that may provide crucial leads.
Police Chief Mike Hardy urged residents to come forward with any information, stating:
“Someone knows who did this. This was a targeted attack, and we need the community’s help to bring justice to Tavian and his loved ones.”
Crime Stoppers of Vermilion is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest. Calls can be made anonymously.
Family Pleads for Justice
In an emotional press conference held outside the Abbeville Police Department on April 21, members of the Young family spoke directly to the public. Tavian’s older sister, Tamara Young, made a heartfelt appeal:
“We’re not asking for revenge. We’re asking for justice. My brother did not deserve to die like this, and the woman who was hurt — she didn’t deserve it either. Somebody out there knows something. Say something. Help us.”
The family also confirmed that Tavian was the father of a young boy, who is now left without a father. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support funeral expenses and the future care of his child. As of April 22, the fundraiser has surpassed $25,000, with donations pouring in from all over the region and even out of state.
Broader Conversations About Violence and Youth
This tragedy has sparked a wider conversation about youth violence, gun access, and community investment in Abbeville and surrounding areas. Religious leaders, educators, and local activists have called for more mentorship programs, youth centers, and outreach efforts to prevent further violence.
Pastor Derrick Johnson of New Light Ministries commented at a recent town hall:
“We cannot let another young man become a statistic. Tavian’s death must mean something. We must do more — as churches, as parents, as leaders — to save our youth.”
The Unanswered Questions
Many details of the shooting remain unknown. Was this a targeted attack, or a tragic case of mistaken identity? Was Tavian involved in a dispute, or was he an innocent victim caught in a web of violence?
The injured woman, currently still recovering in intensive care, may hold key information about the events leading up to the shooting. However, due to her medical condition, police have not been able to conduct a full interview as of the latest update.
Meanwhile, residents have expressed growing frustration with the lack of arrests. Social media has been flooded with tributes to Tavian and calls for justice using hashtags like #JusticeForTavian and #AbbevilleStrong.
Looking Ahead: Healing and Hope
As the investigation continues, the city of Abbeville is working to provide trauma resources to those affected by the incident. Counselors have been dispatched to local schools, and churches have opened their doors for prayer and mental health services.
In the words of Tavian’s grandmother, Marlene Young:
“We can’t bring him back. But maybe — just maybe — we can stop this from happening to another mother’s child.”
The road ahead will be long for the families involved, but the community has shown a steadfast commitment to supporting one another. As candles continue to burn on the sidewalk of South Guegnon and messages of support cover the walls of Landry’s Laundromat, one thing is clear: Abbeville remembers.
If you have any information regarding the shooting of Tavian Anthony Young and the unnamed woman on April 18, 2025, please contact the Abbeville Police Department or Crime Stoppers of Vermilion Parish. You may remain anonymous.
