On the evening of Good Friday, April 18, 2025, the community of Abbeville, Louisiana, was shaken by a tragic act of violence that claimed the life of 20-year-old Tavian Anthony Young and left a woman injured. The incident unfolded around 10 p.m. on South Guegnon Street, where Young was driving an SUV with a woman and a three-year-old child as passengers. As the vehicle proceeded northbound, it was struck by multiple rounds fired from a .223-caliber firearm. Young sustained a fatal gunshot wound to his side, while the woman was shot in the back of her head. Miraculously, the child was unharmed.
In a desperate attempt to escape the gunfire, the SUV turned east onto Charity Street but ultimately crashed into a utility pole in the parking lot of Landry’s Laundromat. Emergency responders found Young unresponsive at the scene and pronounced him dead despite efforts to revive him. The injured woman was discovered on Prairie Avenue and transported to a hospital, where she is listed in stable condition.
The Abbeville Police Department is actively investigating the shooting and urges anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously by calling the department at (337) 893-2511, the “Tips” line at (337) 892-6777, or through Crime Stoppers of Vermilion at (337) 740-TIPS. Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted via the P3 app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Tavian Young. This senseless act of violence has left a profound impact on the community, and we stand in solidarity with those affected during this difficult time.