La’Tasha Thomas, a Black woman from Baton Rouge, is the latest victim of gun violence. Police say the woman’s life was claimed by a juvenile. However, the motive appears to be nothing else than an act of senseless violence.
Authorities with the Baton Rouge Police Department said they responded to the corner of Plank Road and Wyandotte Street around 11:30 a.m. on Jan 19. They say Thomas, 58-year-old mother and grandmother, was standing there when police said a juvenile approached her in a carjack attempt and shot her multiple times.
Authorities said she succumbed to her gunshot injuries. She died the day before her birthday, per WBRZ.
Strange enough, the juvenile went to the 1st District precinct with their mother to turn himself . Though police have not confirmed, Thomas’ family claim the shooter was just 14 years old. Police say the suspect was booked for second-degree murder and illegal use of a weapon. It’s unclear if they’ll be tried as an adult, though prosecutors can request it.
Now, Thomas’ family is grieving the “down-to-earth” and loving matriarch they remember. The family said they are grappling with “anger, confusion and deep sadness” at the loss, per a statement. They also raised over $3,000 in donations to give her the sendoff she deserves.
“Tasha was a very down-to-earth person who loved spending her time cooking and being creative, making arts and crafts. To see her life taken in such a violent way is something we cannot come to terms with,” wrote Beyonce Thomas, the woman’s daughter, via GoFundMe post. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us care for her as we prepare to say our final goodbye.”
The donation page says Ms. Thomas will be laid to rest Feb. 8th, 2025.