Tragic Shooting in Abbeville Leaves 20-Year-Old Tavian Young Dead and Woman Injured After Vehicle is Fired Upon, Crashes into Utility Pole; Police Seek Information in Ongoing Investigation
Authorities in Abbeville, Louisiana, are investigating a tragic shooting incident that took place on Friday, April 18, 2025, which left Tavian Young, a 20-year-old man, dead and a woman injured. The violent sequence of events unfolded in the evening, resulting in a devastating loss for the community.
The Incident
The series of events began when the Abbeville Police Department responded to a call reporting gunfire in the 700 block of South Guegnon Street just after 10:00 p.m. While officers were on their way to the scene, another call came in stating that a vehicle had crashed into a utility pole in the parking lot of Landry’s Laundromat on Charity Street, not far from the original location of the shooting.
A third call revealed yet another victim was found on Prairie Avenue, adding to the confusion and urgency of the situation.
Details of the Shooting
Investigators pieced together the details of the incident, which began when a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe, traveling northbound on Guegnon Street, came under heavy fire. Multiple rounds were discharged at the vehicle by an unknown assailant or assailants, hitting Tavian Young in the right side of his torso, just beneath his armpit. A female passenger, whose identity has not yet been released, was shot in the back of her head.
Despite being under fire, the driver of the Tahoe continued fleeing north on Guegnon Street before making a turn onto Charity Street. Unfortunately, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a utility pole in the southeast corner of the Landry’s Laundromat parking lot.
Emergency Response and Victim Details
First responders arrived on the scene and found the vehicle resting against the utility pole, with Tavian Young unresponsive inside. CPR was immediately administered, but tragically, Young was pronounced dead at the scene.
The woman, who had sustained a gunshot wound, was rushed to the hospital and is currently in stable condition. A three-year-old child was also in the vehicle at the time of the incident but was fortunately unharmed and later picked up by family members.
Ongoing Investigation
The Abbeville Police Department is continuing its investigation into the shooting and the subsequent crash. Authorities are actively searching for any leads on the suspects responsible for the shooting and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time.
“We are committed to finding justice for Tavian and the other victims of this terrible incident,” said a spokesperson from the Abbeville Police Department. “We are asking anyone who might have witnessed the events or who has information to please contact us.”
Community Grieves the Loss of Tavian Young
As news of the shooting spreads through the community, the loss of Tavian Young is felt deeply. Known for his vibrant personality and bright future, Tavian was remembered by friends and family as a kind-hearted and promising young man. His death has left a hole in the hearts of all who knew him, and the community has come together to mourn the loss.
“Tavian was a good kid, and losing him like this is just heartbreaking,” said a close friend who wished to remain anonymous. “We are all struggling with this. He didn’t deserve this.”
As the investigation continues, the people of Abbeville are hoping for justice and answers in the wake of this tragedy. Authorities are urging anyone with any information to come forward as they work to uncover the truth behind this senseless act of violence.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to contact the Abbeville Police Department at (337) 893-2511 or through the Crime Stoppers tip line at (337) 740-TIPS.