In the early morning hours of May 22, 2021, a family argument in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, ended in tragedy with the shooting death of 34-year-old JaTona Gauff Gary. An African American woman from Carencro, Gary was a mother and a dedicated nursing student at Infinity College, with her graduation for Licensed Practical Nurse just months away in January 2022.
She was known for her good-natured spirit and was a beloved wife, daughter, and sister.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:35 a.m. in the 700 block of Albert Street, at the residence of her uncle, 57-year-old Warren Joseph Chavis Jr. Following a heated argument between the two, Chavis allegedly shot his niece. When Breaux Bridge Police arrived at the scene, they found Gary with a fatal gunshot wound.
Warren Joseph Chavis Jr. was immediately taken into custody. He was subsequently arrested and booked into the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center. Chavis faced multiple charges, including second-degree murder, illegal carrying of a weapon, and a violation related to a firearm-free zone. A significant bond was set for his release. The community was left to mourn the sudden and violent loss of a woman who was on the verge of celebrating a significant achievement in her life and career.
