BATON ROUGE, La. — A tight-knit community in Scotlandville is in mourning following the shocking death of 22-year-old Victor LaPharaohs, who was found shot dead on Monday afternoon. The Baton Rouge Police Department has launched a homicide investigation as family, friends, and neighbors struggle to understand how such a tragedy could occur in their neighborhood.
The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. on Monday, at the corner of Avenue J and Woodpecker Street, in a quiet residential area that had always been considered safe. Emergency responders arrived to find Victor lying lifeless in a parking lot, having suffered fatal gunshot wounds. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under active investigation by the Baton Rouge Police Department, and authorities are working tirelessly to piece together the events that led to this senseless loss.
Victor LaPharaohs was just 22 years old. A hardworking young man who was known for his infectious smile and bright personality, Victor worked at Amazon and was a devoted father to his two-year-old daughter. To his mother, Victoria London, and his close-knit family, his death is incomprehensible. Through her grief, Victoria shared, “They wrong for taking my baby like that. My baby was a good child. Didn’t bother nobody. All he did was work. He worked at Amazon and lived for his baby… He made everybody laugh. Everybody loved him.”
In the aftermath of the tragic shooting, the Baton Rouge Police Department quickly sprang into action, launching a homicide investigation. Three individuals have been arrested and taken into custody in connection with Victor’s death. Investigators believe at least two of the suspects had been at Victor’s family home just hours before the shooting occurred. According to Victoria London, they “picked him up from the house to set him up.” This revelation has shaken the family and deepened the grief felt by Victor’s loved ones, who are still struggling to comprehend why such a thing would happen to a young man who was simply living his life.
Authorities have impounded a Honda Accord from the scene, but its direct connection to the shooting has not yet been confirmed. As part of the investigation, police are also reviewing security camera footage from the area to gather more evidence. Baton Rouge’s Deputy Chief William Clarida appealed to the community, urging local residents to come forward with any information that could help solve the case. “Neighborhood usually has a lot of good information and they’re usually some of the best sources for us to help solve types of things,” said Clarida.
The investigation is ongoing, and the community has been urged to stay vigilant and report any unusual activity or details that could aid in bringing those responsible for Victor’s death to justice. The Baton Rouge Crime Stoppers hotline has been made available, and any tip—no matter how small—is seen as potentially crucial in solving the case. The hotline number is 344-7867 (STOP), and authorities are continuing to search for leads as they work to uncover what led to this devastating tragedy.
As Scotlandville reels from this sudden loss, the community has come together to support Victor’s family in their time of mourning. Neighbors have spoken of Victor’s kindness, his work ethic, and his unwavering love for his daughter. He was known for his ability to light up any room with his positive energy, always ready with a joke or a kind word to make others feel at ease. Victor’s mother described him as “a good child” who “didn’t bother nobody,” and those who knew him will forever remember him for his warmth, his laughter, and his generosity.
Victor’s death has not only left his family devastated but has also caused deep sorrow throughout the community. In the wake of the tragedy, friends and neighbors have rallied together to offer their condolences and show support to Victor’s loved ones. A vigil is being planned to honor his memory, and memorials are being organized to raise awareness about the impact of gun violence on families and communities. Local leaders and organizations have also stepped forward to offer grief counseling and support for those affected by the loss of a young life taken too soon.
Victor’s family, while heartbroken, has expressed their gratitude for the love and support they’ve received from the community. They are committed to honoring Victor’s memory by caring for his daughter and ensuring that his legacy of kindness and laughter lives on through the generations. In addition to the memorials and vigils, the family is working to create a scholarship fund in Victor’s name to support local students who are interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement, a field that Victor had always admired. This is just one of the ways his family hopes to continue his legacy of service and community involvement.
The death of Victor LaPharaohs serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the impact that violence can have on communities. While details of the investigation remain under wraps, the hope is that those responsible for his untimely death will be held accountable, bringing justice and some semblance of closure to the family that loved him so deeply. In the meantime, the community of Scotlandville will continue to support one another, standing united in grief and in honor of a young man who was taken far too soon.
Victor’s story is not one of violence and death, but of love, laughter, and the lasting impression he made on those around him. As the investigation unfolds, the focus for those who knew Victor will be on celebrating his life and cherishing the memories he created during his short time on this earth. His passing is a tragedy, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Rest in peace, Victor LaPharaohs. Your life may have been brief, but your impact was immeasurable. You will be forever missed and always remembered by those whose lives you touched. May your memory be a blessing to your family, friends, and community as they continue to honor your legacy of kindness, joy, and love.
