BATON ROUGE, La. — A homicide investigation is underway after 22-year-old Victor LaPharaohs was found shot to death Monday afternoon in the Scotlandville area of Baton Rouge.
The shooting occurred around 3:15 p.m. on Avenue J near Woodpecker Street, in the parking lot of a housing community. Responding officers with the Baton Rouge Police Department discovered LaPharaohs at the scene, where he was pronounced dead from multiple gunshot wounds.
Family members have identified LaPharaohs as a devoted father and dedicated Amazon employee. His sudden and violent death has devastated his loved ones and left the community searching for answers.
“They were wrong for taking my baby like that,” said his mother, Victoria London, fighting through tears. “He was a good child. He didn’t bother anybody.”
According to London, police told her that three individuals were taken into custody, and shockingly, she says two of them had been at her home just hours earlier.
“They picked him up from the house,” she said. “He trusted them. They set him up.”
As part of the ongoing investigation, officers towed a Honda Accord from the scene. While authorities have not confirmed the car’s connection to the shooting, detectives are reviewing security camera footage and speaking with witnesses in the area.
“This neighborhood is often a key part of our investigations,” said Deputy Chief William Clarida of the Baton Rouge Police Department. “Residents here usually provide valuable information, and we’re hopeful that community cooperation will help bring justice in this case.”
Victor LaPharaohs is remembered by family and friends as a hardworking, funny, and loving young man. His mother says he was focused on building a future for his 2-year-old daughter.
“All he did was work and take care of his baby,” London said. “He brought joy to everyone around him. He made people laugh. Everybody loved him.”
As detectives continue to gather evidence, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-7867 (STOP). Those who provide information may be eligible for a cash reward.
The investigation is ongoing.
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