Anthony Brian Thomas, a 34-year-old man from Jeanerette, Louisiana, lost his life in a tragic shooting on the evening of December 22, 2025, in New Iberia. Jeanerette, a small town known for its sugarcane fields and close family ties in Iberia Parish, was home to Anthony, who was identified by witnesses and family members as the victim of this sudden act of violence.
The incident unfolded in the heart of New Iberia, a historic city with French and Spanish influences, where the streets often carry the rhythm of everyday life until moments like this shatter the peace.
According to New Iberia Police Captain Leland Laseter, officers responded around 7:30 p.m. to multiple reports of shots fired near the intersection of South Hopkins Street and Johnston Street. As they searched the area, they received word of a person shot in the 500 block of Johnston Street.
Upon arrival, police discovered the victim lying in the roadway, where he had fallen after being struck by gunfire. Acadian Ambulance crews arrived quickly and worked alongside officers to provide life-saving care, but Anthony was pronounced dead at the scene despite their efforts. The Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office later confirmed his identity and ruled the death a homicide, marking it as an active investigation with no suspects or motive publicly released at this time.
The shooting occurred in a residential section of New Iberia, where neighborhoods blend with local businesses and the community often comes together in both celebration and hardship. Anthony’s death has prompted calls from the New Iberia Police Department for anyone with information to contact Iberia Crime Stoppers at 337-364-TIPS (8477), emphasizing the need for community cooperation to bring clarity and justice.
Anthony Brian Thomas was a resident of Jeanerette, a place where family connections run deep and people often know one another through shared history and daily life. His passing in such a violent way has left an indelible mark, reminding residents of the importance of safety and the heavy toll that sudden tragedy takes on families and neighborhoods in this part of Louisiana.
The New Iberia Police Department continues its thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, with hopes that public assistance will help resolve the case. In the meantime, the community reflects on the fragility of life and the need for vigilance in shared spaces. Anthony’s story serves as a somber call for unity and support for those grieving, as the area processes the impact of this loss during a time meant for togetherness.
In remembering Anthony Brian Thomas, the communities of Jeanerette and New Iberia honor a life taken far too soon—one that touched those around him in ways that will linger in memory. His passing underscores the human cost of violence and the enduring strength found in collective compassion and the pursuit of understanding.