The city of Baton Rouge is mourning after a shooting on Goodwood Boulevard Sunday evening claimed the life of 43‑year‑old Joshua Young and left another person injured. Around 7 p.m. on February 15, emergency crews rushed to the 13400 block of Goodwood near South Flannery Road after gunfire erupted, according to authorities. The scene was chaotic, and by the time responders arrived, Young was found unresponsive in the grass and later pronounced dead. Responders also treated a woman at the scene and transported her to a hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life‑threatening.
Police say the incident began after a hit‑and‑run involving Young’s vehicle. Officers believe Young pursued the driver who struck his car, following them down Goodwood Boulevard before gunfire broke out. The woman injured in the shooting was with another vehicle at the time, though her exact connection to the hit‑and‑run remains unclear. Police continue to investigate what sparked the deadly confrontation.
For those who knew Joshua Young, the news of his death hit hard. He was described as a devoted father and a reliable friend, someone who showed up when needed and offered steady support without seeking attention. Family members say he prized loyalty and worked hard to care for those closest to him. His sudden death has left a void in the lives of the people who counted on him.
In the hours after the tragedy, neighbors and friends gathered quietly in the area where Young was found. Some left flowers and notes, others stood in silence, struggling to process the loss. Stories shared spoke of a calm man with a warm smile and a straightforward way about him — someone who made others feel safe just by being around.
Shadows of the night seem to linger longer now on Goodwood Boulevard. Residents say this part of the city has seen too much violence in recent years, and this latest shooting deepens their unease. Still, many continue to hold onto optimism that police efforts and community unity can prevent similar events in the future.
Law enforcement has not identified any suspects or issued charges as of now. Detectives with the Baton Rouge Police Department’s violent crimes unit are urging anyone with information to come forward. For many in the community, answers can’t come fast enough.
The loss of Joshua Young has rippled out through his neighborhood, with condolences and memories shared across the city. Friends remember him with quiet reverence — a steady presence cut tragically short, now left to live on in the hearts of the people who loved him.
